"Next, we have the minor queen Lysanne's firstborn. He has started school recently and is well known as a genius in composition and flute. He has yet to achieve any accomplishments, but considering his young age such matters are hardly worthy of attention yet. Our court is certain of the bright future ahead of this promising..."
He faintly heard a long speech praising everything he had done so far, hinting at what he might become with the right education and so on, but he really didn't care. No, the huge person was far more interesting. Especially the adorable round, furry ears on the person's head. Anyone with a little bit of knowledge could see that it was a bear clansman, which he knew were allies. What he hadn't expected was that they'd be huge. Because...well, in all TV shows animal people were always human sized, so...this was unexpected.
Massive, dark brown eyes turned to him while he stared up. A kind smile showed on the giant's lips, though the fact that he could see sharp teeth kind of ruined the effect.
With some effort he got himself under control and looked at the foreign bees with curiosity. Some of them were looking at him, while others shuffled through papers taking notes. One or two were obviously doing something that didn't involve listening judging by the blank looks in their eyes while they stared at the sky.
And so the bee who was introducing him droned on and on for a while until he suddenly spoke louder, a single, clear question in the otherwise monotone litany.
"Now, honored dignitaries, are there any questions about this young prince of excellent lineage?"
Young prince of excellent lineage...he honestly didn't know whether he was supposed to be happy about this description or not. What kind of questions did they expect anyway?
"If he's from an excellent lineage then surely our Goddess has granted him the right to choose his talents! I still haven't heard a single word about the goddess iin your speech!" An old bee adorned with expensive jewelry called, with a mean look in her eyes indicating that she wanted to shame him.
Before the suddenly beet red speaker could start arguing he decided to take action.
"I chose high grade intellect, limitless potential and the ability to build up affinities by my own effort." He said as clearly as he could, trying to make his voice less childish than usual.
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A lot of slightly shocked and surprised looks fell on him. A second later one of the ministers with black hair nodded. "A very intelligent choice for a long lived one, especially for our race." With a glint she looked at the minister who had first brought the goddess into the discussion. "It's much more useful than you greater Queen's son with his high strength and flexibility. What does a bee need strength for? Even with goddess granted strength any large tribe could overpower them with ease!"
A chuckle at the lady's expense went through the group.
"The southern Mountain tribe declares its interest in the minor queen Lysanne's firstborn!" The older bee next to the one who had praised him for his choice a moment ago called out.
A second later several more voices made their interest in him known, as well.
In the meantime the giant bear person nodded thoughtfully. He still couldn't tell what exactly this giant was doing at this, well, marriage interview or whatever it was supposed to be. It was quite obvious that he wasn't the only boy that had been paraded around that day, so none of these leaders in their own kingdoms were there specifically for him - he had never expected that - but why the bear? Sure, he knew they traded honey, but any outside connections were still a mystery to him. The girl playing flute with him didn't know and school had only just started the day before. Once he had access to books - there was a great library according to his mother, where he'd be allowed to go as soom as he learned how to read - he would have to look up history and diplomatic relations.
Either way, all declarations of interest were apparently written down and no further questions came, so he was taken away through a different gate, back into the hallways. As he left another bee was announced and when he looked back he caught a glimpse of an adult, blonde bee with huge, liquid black eyes - like his own. As he had suspected, this was less a marriage interview than a gathering to introduce the males of the kingdom to other kingdoms. Advertising to build relations.
A little unhappy that he had been used like some good on the market he was very quiet for the rest of the day.