Query

[Quickening]

1. Princessess. They are supposed to have a function in this game. I have several according to the family scroll but where are they in real life because they are not in the towns. I know they can go walkabouts cos my assasins are getting some practice on the opposition

They will be in the towns or castles under the "agents" tab. They act as diplomats but can also attempt to marry enemy Generals. If they succeed the general joins your faction.

2. The old king has two eligible daughters but no one wants to marry into the family, are they the ugly sisters or something. Another couple of turns and they will be passed it. How do you encourage suitors

Every Princess has a "Charm" rating. You can improve a Princesses "Charm" rating by going around the place doing simple diplomatic things such as securing trade rights.

3. The kings only heir is also getting on a bit and still a boy out on the town. If he remains unmarried what happens later on , game over! Speaking of which several of my good guys are unmarried whilst all the useless ones have been despite sitting on a boat out of harms way. A cynic would suggest its the AI attempting to genetically engineer a dynasty of lazy good for nothing inbred dimwits who wouldnt know a sword if I could stab them with it.

Haha! You wouldn't believe the number of people who have had that theory about the AI.
Don't worry about your Royal Family dying out. It won't happen.