“This is most excellent! Look at all these replies!” Alva says shuffling through a mountain of paperwork on her desk. “There must be nearly fifty letters of interest. Of course, we will narrow down to a select few, taking into account wealth and status, but overall this is a tremendous start!” Alva’s expression flattened when she saw my unamused demeanor. I could feel the wrinkle of my furrowed brow pulsating. “Why does this not please you, your grace? I thought you would be thrilled.”
Normal Alva is the picture of organization, but as I look around me my advisor’s office is a mess. Piles of open books, maps, and scattered papers covered nearly every surface. She is working hard to arrange this event for me, but I hated everything that it stood for and all the involvement that I would need to do. “I feel like a prized cattle being auctioned off to the slaughter…” I say in a grouchy tone.
My appointed event planner scoffs. “Oh please. Don't be so melodramatic, your majesty. Many kings and queens have had to endure an arranged marriage. Be thankful that you will have some opinion on who you spend the rest of your life with, others can’t say the same.”
She is right. I should be thankful, but I never wanted this. Marriage was always off the table for me, I never really considered it until now. I always thought that one of Ren and Arie’s heirs would take the Xosta throne someday. Wait… Does this mean I need to bear children too? I turn to a tall mirror hanging on the wall and contemplate what I would look like with a pregnant belly. I shudder at the thought.
“My queen, have you considered a venue? It might be wise to have it here in Xosta to show off the potential home for the candidates, but Xosta is across the ocean. It may be better to host at a different location. Perhaps somewhere greener?” I knew what she was implying.
“You want to have it in Theora?” I asked.
She nods, “ Precisely! It is an easier trip for most of the prospective bachelors, and much more romantic than our dry wasteland.” I shot her a glare, insulting our home’s climate. “And! Queen Ariella will be close to giving birth at that point. Wouldn’t it be nice to witness the birth of your niece or nephew?”
You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.
That would be wonderful if I can make the antidote in time. I’ve managed to keep Ariella’s poisoning a secret, if word got out I fear people may use the information to their advantage. Even if I trust Alva with my own well-being, I don’t trust her with the life of my brother's unborn child.
Actually, come to think of it, I would have quick access to most of the ingredients I would need, and I could deliver it straight away if things were down to the wire. “I agree, I think Theora is an excellent idea.”
Alva smiled, scratching more ink with her quill and parchment. “Alright, I will send word to King Galleren at once.” Hearing my brother referred to as ‘King Galleren’ nearly made me laugh. During our handful of childhood encounters, I would tease him mercilessly in play. Now my brother whom I gave noogies to is a king. I bite my lower lip to hold back any lingering urge to chuckle.
“Now that we have chosen a venue. Let us discuss the activities.”
I roll my eyes. “Activities? Is that really necessary?”
Alva raised her eyes with annoyance. “Yes my lady. These men will be traveling from miles away. As the hosts, it is our duty to entertain and ensure that each of our guests has the opportunity to get to know you.” Get to know me? This is going to be more painful than I had anticipated. “Now typically at such a prestigious event, there is a ball-”
“Absolutely not,” I interject. Of all the things I hate in this world, dresses and balls are top of the list.
“Your majesty please,” Alva spoke in an urgent tone “It is customary to hold a grand ball in honor of the event. If you did not have one, it would be considered rude. It is important to make a good impression.”
Tapping my foot I sulk with my thoughts. If I am going to have to do this, then I should at least get something out of it. “Fine. On one condition. We also hold a tournament.”
“That is brilliant!” Alva stood out from her chair with excitement. “We can have each of the candidate's duel for your hand!”
“Well, I was actually thinking of it as more of friendly competition. As the idea of these men ‘fighting for my hand’ makes me want to vomit, but whatever you think is best.” My laced sarcasm did not register to Alva, as I can already see her mentally planning the entire tournament in her head. I can put up with whatever torment Alva can throw at me. My one hope is that I find a match that has a sizable treasury, and doesn’t make me want to gauge my eyes out.