The ladies were sitting at a table placed near the front of the room when King Stefan finally arrived to greet them. He had a wide smile plastered across his face.

“There, we are.” Stefan gasped.

The ladies shot to a standing position, postures straightened and chins held high.

Stefan greeted each one with a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

“I’m thrilled you all are here. I hope the Propexhians didn’t give you a hard time.”

The ladies shook their heads.

“You may sit now.” Stefan nodded, then took a seat at the King’s Table at the front of the room.

He took a long look at each one before finally speaking again and explaining why they were there.

“Most of you requested to be here, while some….” Stefan paused, his eyes darted towards Corrine. “Are of my own request.”

Corrine’s body stiffened.

“My son will be getting married before the Cycle of the Sun repeats. And I have decided that one of you will be Death’s Queen.” He stated, matter of factly.

Corrine’s heartbeat quickened.

“Today begins the Courting process. Which one of you—”

Corrine slowly raised her hand.

Stefan nodded. “Priestess.”

The other women whipped their heads towards Corrine.

The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

“I—-I’m sorry.” Corrine stuttered. “I think there has been an error.”

Corrine let out a shaky breath.

“I am a Virgin Mage.” She continued. “I cannot marry.”

Stefan cocked his head, before extending a hand in the direction of Corrine. “Come to me.”

Corrine didn’t move.

“Now!”

Corrine lowered her head and began walking.

When she reached Stefan, the king leaned over and reached out towards Corrine’s veil.

Corrine’s hands instinctively shot up.

Before she knew it, she had a tight grip on Stefan’s right hand.

“I prefer you not to remove it.” She whispered.

Stefan licked his lips. “Are you ashamed of who you are?”

Corrine shook her head quickly.

Stefan removed his hand from Corrine’s grasp.

“Then, remove it.” He responded through gritted teeth.

The young priestess shook her head vehemently.

“I am not meant to be here.” Threads of dark energy began pouring from her fingers.

“I won’t ask again.” Stefan said coldly.

Corrine had to obey, she knew this and hated it.

After a couple of shaky breaths, Corrine closed her eyes and removed her veil, revealing a dark slash across her face.

“There.” Stefan murmured.

After Corrine opened her eyes, she was met by dark eyes piercing right back at her.

“Priestess Corrine. Would you rather be a Queen or a Mage?” Stefan began. “I know your history, and I know you became this to protect yourself. I’m giving you the chance for freedom.”

Corrine turned her head away from Stefan’s gaze.

“I’m giving you all a chance for freedom.” He said louder this time, meeting the eyes of each woman. “Marrying the Prince of Death is a gift.”

Corrine took in her bottom lip. For most of her life, all she has known is the magic that has protected her. But Corrine also wanted to enter Gardenia, the heavens. But as long as Corrine was tethered to Death, his Virgin Mage, she would never be allowed to enter. This could be it, she thought to herself.

As Corrine was distracted by her thoughts, thinking about whether she wanted this, she didn’t hear the door had opened again. She didn’t hear the Prince of Death himself enter,

Prince Mel.

***

Prince Mel, built of lean muscle and bronze skin, wasn’t alone when he entered. In black sacks and an open white shirt with ruffles at the collar, he was followed by Lord Flip, who was carrying a heavy sack, and the remaining members of the king’s counsel: Lady Reyn, Lady Cara, Lord Junel, and Lord Matyl.

Each member took a seat at the king’s table, with the Prince sitting next to his father.

“Now that everyone is here, let’s talk.” He said, a smile plastered across his face and hands entangled.