Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay warrioAt dinner that evening, I wore the glamorous dress with the jewels all over it. Annora insisted I wear fancy gowns to dinner, and I agreed to try it out just to get her off my back. The dress made it harder to eat. I had to be very careful to not get any crumbs on it, and I felt I looked ridiculous.
After dinner, Annora came in with a scroll. “I’ve had your names added to the royal history,” she said. “I’ve arranged a meeting to discuss the future of the kingdom.” “Yes, thank you,” Lord Jordan said. “I’ll take it from here. You are dismissed.” “But I can’t be dismissed,” Annora said, looking hurt. “I’ve prepared the agenda for this discussion.” “Fine,” Lord Jordan sighed in defeat. “You may stay.” “As you all know, the royal line only continues when there are heirs to the throne,” Annora said, looking around the room. She had seated herself right next to Lord Jordan. “I’d like to bestow an obligation on each of you to further the kingdom’s welfare. For King Jazer and Queen Luzena, your next step is to produce an heir as quickly as possible.” I snorted with laughter. “I don’t see what is so funny,” Annora huffed. “I thought you said you wanted us to produce air,” I laughed mercilessly. Jazer started to join in the laughter, but a stern look from his uncle stopped him dead in his tracks. “We’re talking about the future,” said Lord Jordan. “A new prince or princess that will carry your legacy. You do want that, don’t you?” Jazer and I looked at each other, our faces reddening. “But we’ve only been married for three months,” I said slowly. “There’s no need to rush.” “Of course there is! This is the kingdom we’re talking about. Normally monarchs produce an heir before their first wedding anniversary,” Annora huffed. “But sooner would be better. We need to treat this like an urgent matter. I’m sure you understand.” My cheeks burned red and I looked down at the table. I didn’t like this matter being discussed in front of everyone. If you asked me, Annora should have talked to us privately before embarrassing us like this. Or better yet, she should have sent a letter or kept her mouth shut. I thought back to the coronation. When Jazer and I had been crowned, the priest had mentioned something about blessing us to have an heir very soon. I had blushed a bit at that, but I’d been much more focused on the coronation itself. On becoming queen. I was still learning how to administer the kingdom’s business and felt like I was drowning in a multitude of unnecessary regulations. “Um…we’re not ready yet,” Jazer said. “A child is a huge responsibility.” “But, Jazer, this is the whole reason why we have royal weddings in the first place,” Lord Jordan shook his head in disbelief. “It’s a royal duty!” I stood up fast and glared at the older man. “I’m a warrior who became queen, and I’m not going to be relegated to producing an heir just to ease your mind about the future!” “Fine, then, don’t listen to me,” Lord Jordan eyed me angrily. “But remember that this request is not from me, it’s from our subjects. It’s for the good of the kingdom and its people.” He stood up and left the room in a huff. I tried not to show my discomfort. Jazer reached out under the table and squeezed my hand. I sighed and tried to think of other things than this unnecessary dilemma they were trying to throw on us. “Okay, let’s move on to the next item on our list,” Annora said, as if nothing had happened. “Queen Sabina, your next step is to get married. I’ll arrange for you to attend all the dances and events the nobles are hosting. You need to meet as many eligible suitors as possible. And then we can carefully choose one, send a proposal, and ease into an arranged marriage.” Sabina looked up. “I’m only twenty,” she said. “Do I have to get married now?” “Of course!” Annora looked aghast. “Within a few months if possible. We’ll find the perfect man for the kingdom.” I glanced at Jazer and rolled my eyes. Things were starting to get amusing with Annora’s crazy ideas. “How do I know if he’s in it for the title or if he’s a good person?” Sabina asked. “Well, if you’d prefer a man that’s not stuck-up, I’d be happy to find one for you,” I grinned at her. “I’ll put my mercenary skills to good use for matchmaking.” Sabina laughed. “Okay, just find me an attractive one. That’s all I need, really. Like yours.” She burst into laughter. “Is that all I am, just a pretty face?” Jazer laughed. “I would think that the future king should be more than just decoration.” “You young monarchs are impossible! You never take anything seriously!” Annora glared at us, then got up and left with a huff. “At least we got rid of her,” I grinned. “Time to celebrate!”
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