The Fight for The Princess’ Hand

The First Chapter

The top of my dress was made of fine texture, spun from silk, which pressed against my corset firmly. There was a gold ribbon in parallel lines down the center, crisscrossing into a bow at the top. My chest wasn't all that full, but not flat, so I had Charlotte place my mother's necklace at my clavicle. It was a simple chain of gold with a small, majestic glass rose with a small sapphire placed in the center. I remember how mother had always gone on about how it brought out my own sapphire eyes.

My father and I had agreed it was best for me to keep it after she had left for a better place and I missed her dearly. Just the thought of her honey hair brushing against my face as she held me was enough to bring my eyes to tears.

I sighed, closing my eyes before turning to look at my appearance again. My hair was skillfully done, half of it upwards in a bun, and the rest cascaded towards my waist. The sleeves of my dress started an inch below my shoulder, made of something new and imported which was stated to be 'crushed velvet', though I've never heard of it. Although, I deeply admired the feel of it, so there was no complaint.

"Do you find this dress to your liking, milady? I heard rumor the spinsters spent a whole of two days preparing it for your big day."

I smiled down at Charlotte as she puffed the bottom of my sky blue gown. After announcing to my father the tournament that was to be held, we immediately sent out invitations to the fellow kingdoms that had originally asked for my hand, then to the surrounding kingdoms with other kings and princes, as well as those without, so they would be able to observe the tournament. I had quite a few pen pals with most of the princesses, as well as many friends in the noble families in my own kingdom. This would be written throughout history. I glanced at the material of the bottom of my gown, admiring the various flowers that were woven into the somewhat see through fabric. Luckily, it was multi-layered, so not one would be able to have sight of my undergarment dress, which would be very improper to say the least. At my wrist, the same material puffed out to end the sleeve with flare and beauty.

"It is near perfection, and that is saying the very least, Charlotte. As a matter of fact," I looked behind me to see my lady, Lorena, silently patting down my dress with Jewel, "Lorena, I implore you to go at once and tell the spinsters I am eternally grateful for their diligence."

She looked up with wide eyes, her auburn hair in a tight bun, "That's all the way across the castle, milady-"

Charlotte frowned and waved her hand in a dismissive manner, "Go on. And Lorena, next time you do as told without question."

I rolled my eyes. I held a deep regard for Charlotte, yet she was a stickler for proper behavior.

"Don't fret. You'll be back in time to gawk at the princes as they're announced." Jewel said, causing the both of us to giggle as Lorena stormed away with a reddened face.

"Oh, hush!" Charlotte scolded. She was the oldest of my ladies at an age of twenty-nine, her hair slightly resembled me, except mine was more like silver, and hers was more like dandelions. "You shouldn't poke fun-"

"Permission to speak freely, milady?" Jewel looked up at me with a small smile, her raven-like hair held back in a small bun with a bow as two strands in front fell just above her chest.

"Permission granted." I smiled back, eager to hear what was going through her mind.

"I honestly cannot fathom as to why you haven't chosen the delicious Prince Liam as your suitor-"

"Jewel!" Charlotte stood straight, hands on her waist with an amused expression, "What on earth-"

"I am just stating how handsome the prince is! His chiseled jaw alone could cut me-"

I blushed at the thought of such scandalous things. The mere action of his hand grazing mine would surely be the talk of the kingdom immediately.

"-and I'd still be grateful."

"Jewel, you're an absolute heathen." Charlotte shook her head as she headed to my large walk-in, exclusively for shoes, and pulled out a pair of heels, about the same shade as my dress. They also had a sort of anklet, but I couldn't recall from whence they had been instated.

"Charlotte," I paused as I slowly held out my foot for her to place my footwear, "From where did you happen to import these?"

"Ah. I actually made these-"

"Say it isn't so!" Jewel squealed, "You are so talented! When have you acquired this skill, and why have you never told me?" She playfully patted the woman on the shoulder, and the blonde swatted her hand away with a laugh.

"You're too busy flirting with the head cook to actually listen." The head lady-in-waiting shook her head with a bashful smile as she clasped both of my heels into place around my ankles.

Jewel flustered, "He bakes the best bread and tarts. I will not apologize for acquiring that bread-"

"Oh, trust me, Jewel," I stepped down with both feet, feeling the comfy insides of these carefully crafted shoes with glee, "No one expects you to."

"Oh, my dear, you look absolutely perfect!" Charlotte had been my lady-in-waiting since I was seven, around the age my mother passed away. Usually, the same one who cares for my mother would care for me as well, but she had fallen ill to old age. Charlotte felt like my older sister at times, even with the eleven year difference, it was practically nothing in reality. Our bond was strong. Jewel had just started three years ago, and she's a really good friend of mine. Lorena, however, had just started last year. She seems well-enough, yet can be very quiet or disobedient at times. I didn't mind, Charlotte usually took care of things anyhow.

There was a knock at the door, and I raised my chin as I grasped my hands behind my back.

"You may enter."

My father's esteemed knight and leader of The Royal Guard, Sir Edmund, peeked in before fully opening the door, bowing, and stepping into my chambers. A studious fellow, practically my father's brother, and taught me everything I know of what is to be a leader. Behind him, I could see two other knights.

"Dearest princess, the princes are said to have entered the kingdom. They're almost to the castle gate. And the nobility has started to enter the court."

"We'll go at once. Thank you, Sir Edmund." I nodded, and he bowed again before nodding in acknowledgement to both me and my ladies, and closed the door behind him as he left.

"Aged like fine wine..." I frowned at Jewel as she spoke.

"Jewel, have you no limits?"

"No, milady, I do not."

-

I held my gown gently as I glided down the stairs into the throne room, where everyone would be introduced. Today's events were for the announcing ceremony, then a small banquet and ball for the contenders and I to be fed and acquainted with one another, though I no doubt knew some of them already.

They announced my arrival into the Throne Room, all the nobility bowing as I stood still for a moment, before walking towards my seat.

My father smiled at me from his throne as I sat in mine, lower than his, "As radiant as your mother."

I grinned, "Thank you, father." I nervously grasped a strand of hair in front of my chest, "How many do you think shall arrive?"

"From what I've heard, there's plenty of princes and kings here."

I groaned, "I hope to marry someone of my age-"

"Then why didn't you pick someone-"

"They were all inadequate in my eyes. Besides, with the trials we've put together, no one aged more than forty could hope to win." Probably, I was not entirely sure. Tomorrow, the first trial was a simple one-on-two meeting, which would be me, a royal guard, and the suitor. This wouldn't result in eliminations, but would serve for me to be able to understand my contenders deeply. Depending on how much would show to contend, I shall eliminate according to the following trials I have in mind. I know for sure the third trial would be strenuous in strength and endurance, to test for valiance and how they could protect me and the kingdom.

Everyone

The horns blew, and I tensed in my seat.

One by one, the following were introduced as they arrived with their own court and royal family members accompanying them:

First, King Malakai whom had curly, outlandish blonde hair and the reddest-brown eyes I've ever seen. His voice was deep and grim, and his handsome face was lined with scars, no doubt from his battles. His physique was kept in great condition, and his body was clad in a white uniform with gold emblems custom to his kingdom, beige bottoms, black leather boots, and a long red coat that flared up at his neck, and had no hood. He bowed on one knee, staring up at me with an intensity that almost made me squirm. "As announced, I am King Malakai of the Desert Kingdom, Allium. I come bearing multiple exotic fruits from my country, as well as my determination in besting all who oppose me for the hand of the lovely princess Arethina."

Second came Prince Dmitri, his hair was as long as mine and peculiarly colored a deep blue. He had a lovely white scarf around his shoulders that slightly trailed down to his waist, his uniform black with silver emblems, and grey boots. He knelt as well, and barely glanced at me with his grey eyes trained on my father instead. I refrained myself from rolling my eyes at his words, not because of his accent, but because of his arrogance. "I, Dmitri Solozan, bear jewels for your daughter, and esteemed weapons for you, my liege. I look forward to being part of this kingdom."

King Cyrus was third, his hair as black as night, and his eyes a chocolate brown. Him, I knew. Though humorous, he could never take me seriously. Despite no need for introductions, he felt compelled to do so. He simply bowed, and grinned up at my father and I.

"It is a pleasure to see you again. As your champion, I feel the need for a tournament to be foolish when you know I'll triumph." I subtly raised a brow. At my glare, he smirked. "But I digress. I come bearing fine sea pearls, and proudly expect to be seated where you are, my liege, very soon."

Prince Liam came forth, his platinum blonde hair slightly hanging in front of his bright teal eyes. He had an impish grin, and I couldn’t help but glance over to see Jewel fanning herself with a dreamy expression. I smirked to myself at the sight of her reaction.

“It is a great pleasure to see you again, your majesties. I’m certain I’ll be able to best the others and win the fair maiden’s hand.”

First part, second part, third part, repeat... I braided a small stand of my blonde hair as two more prince contenders were announced. I was bored out of my mind, if I was being truthful. Some princes and kings were more handsome than the others, and I silently prayed they'd triumph over the others. If anything, at least they could be handsome for when we must sire an heir.

Just as I thought the announcing ceremony had ended, the doors once again burst open. Nobody had been announced, so this had been an alarming surpirse. My father stood up, and I grasped my throne. A tall and slender woman, with cocoa brown hair, that looked as young as me, her skin covered with black and embroidered lace that grasped half her neck and left a small window of her chest exposed while some lace trailed behind her. Her dress, although trailing behind her, also cut off in the front with a slight flare. Her dark as night crown seemed to be made of sharp points, although still bejeweled with silver marvelously, and I wondered if it was darkened iron. A few people who appeared to be servants followed behind, as well as a man about the age of my father who walked beside her in white attire, and their clothing suggested royalty, if not high noble status.

"Who are you to come unannounced? To interrupt an important ceremony?" My father asked loudly, obviously angered at their lack for etiquette.

Her lips, dark as blood, smirked as she spoke loudly and boldly.

"I, Queen Veronica of Kingdom Riveria, have come to contest for the hand of the fair Princess Arethina."

I gasped, my eyes widening. My hand flew to my mouth in disbelief. This woman was certainly mad!

My father stood with a clenched jaw, “And who are you to contest? Are you not a woman?”

“Was there a rule that a woman couldn’t compete?” She coyly quipped, and I scoffed.

“That doesn’t mean I wanted one to enter! It’s not like we could-“ I shouted in outrage as I stood, before my father interrupted scoldingly.

“Arethina! Compose yourself.” He hissed, before looking toward the intrusive Queen with a raised brow. I sat down, glaring at the woman whose eyes were focused on mine. “You were not invited, and you are not welcome.”

Veronica tipped her head to the side, “The royal decree stated explicitly that anyone of royal descent can contend. Unless you’re claiming to be an untruthful king?”

My father frowned, “Excuse me?”

A sword was brandished, King Malakai letting out a furious grunt as he pressed the tip of his sword against Veronica’s chin. The woman looked to him with a bored glance as he spoke.

“Get out of here, wench! Lest I cut you down myself.”

She smirked slightly, before stepping back quickly and brandishing a sword from one of her knights. She turned and went to strike at him, making him turn as well to dodge her swing and strike at her. Her sword met Malakai’s as her eyes twinkled with mischief, a grin forming on her dark lips.

Veronica’s voice spoke smugly, “Just try it.”

I furrowed my brows, suddenly intrigued. This woman could brandish a sword… like a man. My father was about to speak when I placed my hand on his arm. He looked at me confused until I stood. This just got more intriguing...

“That’s not necessary.” I spoke gently, causing Malakai to glance at me with annoyance before he hesitantly backed away. Veronica handed the sword back to the knight she took it from, looking at me with a slight smile as I walked down the steps from the throne.

“Queen Veronica, I will entertain your notion that you're prepared for these trials, but know it is only for my amusement.”

“I’ve prepared better than most.” She spoke so confidently, it shook me. I walked closer with an impassive stare.

“Well, when you lose...” I looked away, walking back to my father. “Don't be sore about it.”

“Then I won’t lose.” I stopped in my tracks, somewhat confused at how a woman would want to marry another woman, let alone fight against men. Surely, she would be bested? “I’ll win your hand valiantly.”

I swallowed with slight fear before nodding to my father as I sat back on my throne. He stood, holding his arms open with a tense smile, “Well then. Let the banquet begin!”

On queue, my father had us escorted into the banquet room where more nobles, and some common folk waited. There were three large and white-cloth covered tables. One table had beverages and appetizers, one had full course meals, and the other had desserts both warm and fresh. Each table had servers at the ready, and there was the royal table for my father and I at the head of the room. Then there was a table for each of the royal contenders, their family, and their servants. Then there were tables for nobility which were mingled, and some choice common folk who mingled in as well. They were interested in our contest, so of course I urged my father to allow some with high social standing inside.

The ones who were contending for my hand were:

King Malakai of Allium Kingdom - He is twenty-seven years old. His hair was a curly blonde, his eyes a fiery red and brown, his voice deep, and as far as I knew, his personality was stubborn, rash and quick to anger. His kingdom was known for its extreme heat and its exotic fruits as well as rare foods (the animals in the desert were an acquired taste). His skin was very tan.

King Cyrus of Kingdom Cyanda - He is twenty-eight years old. His hair dark as night, his eyes brown like cocoa, and his skin a deep and dark alluring brown. He was playful, humorous, childish. His kingdom sits by the sea, having access to pearls and foods made from the sea, as well as toxins from sea creatures they use in weapons and more.

Prince Dmitri of Kingdom Solozan - He is nineteen years old. His hair was long and a dark blue, his eyes grey like a stormy ocean, his skin a light brown. He is arrogant and charismatic. His kingdom is known for its metals, jewels, and fine weapons.

Prince Liam of Kingdom Dremic - He is twenty years old. His hair is a platinum blonde, his eyes a bright teal, and his skin almost as pale as mine. He's very playful, known for courting many women at once. His Kingdom is a near neighbor of ours, notorious for its many rivers and greens, somewhat humid climate, and exotic birds. Jewel has a crush on him.

Prince Marcus of Kingdom Venerys - He is twenty years old. His hair auburn, his eyes amber, and his skin a little tanner than Prince Liam's. His Kingdom is legendary for its past taming of dragons, before they went extinct.

Prince George of Kingdom Nystola - He is eighteen. He had light brown hair, black eyes, and was overall average and kind, from what I could tell at least. His Kingdom and royal family were known for their twins, for their magnificent horses and sportsmanship, as well as multiple lineages. He was tenth in line for the throne, beside his twin brother.

I sat at my place alongside my father, everyone being announced once again for those nobles and such to be able to know what was happening as well. Everyone started to murmur as Queen Veronica walked into the room. We had prepared tables for the contenders and their courts, luckily having prepared enough for the eight of them. In that case, we only needed to commence with nine trials out of the total we had in mind.

I was served my food after five minutes, and ate quietly and calmly as the whole banquet buzzed with conversation. The princes seemed to group together by the beverage table, laughing and quipping jokes to one another. Queen Veronica mingled with the nobility, speaking with a stoic expression and glancing over to me every now and then.

Jewel ran to my side after ten more minutes, bending over and whispering into my ear. “What are you to do about Queen Veronica?”

I shrugged, “She’ll lose. Nothing needs to be done.”

“I heard rumor-“

“There’s rumors already?” I asked, somewhat flabbergasted at the way rumors seemed to circulate so quickly.

“Yes. I heard that aged man beside her is her father, and she started to manage the kingdom as soon as she was seventeen.”

I huffed, “You’re kidding me. How old is she anyways?”

“She’s twenty years old- she’s also rumored to be quite the warrior.”

“A warrior?” I asked. She seemed to know her way around a sword, but for all I know she should’ve just played around with them for a bit.

“Along with her knights and army, she’s already conquered two kingdoms beside her and expanded her empire- almost as much as her father did in his entire lifetime.”

I looked over at the Queen with wide eyes, seeing she was already staring at me with a smirk on her plump lips. I immediately flustered, looking away and giving Jewel an urgent look.

“Find out all you can about her. I want to know everything there is to know about this Queen.”

Jewel nodded, scurrying away immediately. I squared my shoulders, suddenly having lost my appetite for this meal and instead craving something sweet. Perhaps flan- or even cake that was flavored like creamy cheese with sugar. I got up promptly, walking over to the table of desserts.

“So I take it you like sweets?”

I jumped, looking back to see Prince Marcus, one of the last princes who were announced before Queen Veronica burst in. His hair was a peculiar red, and his eyes amber. He was somewhat good-looking. I certainly had luck on my side when it came to these contenders.

I let out a shy laugh, “Doesn’t everyone?”

“Not particularly, no.” Marcus laughed along, “Though I do believe it is peculiar more people don’t enjoy them.”

“Isn’t it?” I mused, turning back to the desserts on the table. I motioned to the server to serve me some creamy cheesecake. “I mean, who couldn’t love something so sweet and delectable on the tongue?”

“You know…” He stepped closer, c*****g his head at me. I looked at him with curiosity at what made his eyes twinkle deviously. “I bet you taste more delicious than anything on this table.”

I looked at him with a frown as I collected my plate from the server who avoided our eyes with a flustered face, “I don’t understand. How could flesh taste good at all?”

This man was very odd. Much odder than anyone who doesn’t like sweets.

Prince Marcus stammered, suddenly put off at what I said. I mean, wasn’t I right? How could anyone crave flesh-

“That’s not what he meant, princess.” A sultry voice interrupted, and we both turned just as Queen Veronica stepped in between us to grab a strawberry with a raised brow towards Marcus.

I scoffed, “And just how do you know what he meant?”

“He talks of sinful things.” She stepped closer to Prince Marcus as she bit into the strawberry.

“Sinful?” I looked at Marcus’ flustered face, his eyebrow slightly perspiring. Veronica nodded as she swallowed, stepping away from him and towards me. I straightened up slightly, looking at her with a clenched jaw.

“He speaks of things that happens between married people.” Veronica smirked at my suddenly shocked face.

I looked at Marcus with a glare, “How dare you? Do you think of me as some harlot who would talk of such things with someone I barely know? Let alone even know what you speak of?”

“Doesn’t sound as he’s fit to even be contending for your hand if he speaks from experience-”

“Stay out of this, wench.” Marcus snapped at Veronica, and she suddenly slipped her hand under her dress, making us fluster before she pulled out a dagger and held it to Marcus’ throat.

“Say that again, I dare you.”

“Enough, the both of you!” I spoke with a snarl, “You’re causing a scene.”

Veronica put the dagger back up her thigh, and I couldn’t help that my cheeks reddened. I never realized how much of her caramel legs had been showing. They looked so soft…

Queen Veronica looked at me with a mischievous smile, “Am I distracting you?”

I stammered as I flustered more, “Certainly not! I…” I shook my head, annoyed. “Now if you excuse me, I need a drink.”

I walked away, holding my gown as I went to the beverage table. Hopefully the second half of this banquet would be better than the first.