--
The grand hall, though just moments ago quiet after the weighty judgment of Duke Wilson, hummed again with tension. The king had not left the dais after his declaration, and though the meeting had seemed concluded, his lingering presence suggested unfinished business.
"Before we disperse," Emperor Gorton said, his tone firm, "there remains one final matter of great importance."
Everyone straightened again, eyes locked on the emperor.
"There will be a marriage alliance between Tenebria and Elyria. As mentioned earlier," he declared. A gasp rippled through the court. Surprised the king wasn't joking about earlier and was likely serious about it". But then again does the king have all the time in the world to joke around trivial matters like this? "The engagement is between Crown Prince Roderick Xiang Blackwood and Princess Eira Chang Amunhotep."
" The king continued, then paused at that moment all eyes turned to Derick who was seated on his seat, teeth cranking like in a tug of war. But one thing was in every body mind his reaction, dereak had never lost his temper publicly aside from that unpleasant day, when he had gone berserk ".
The prince's jaw tightened visibly, and for a moment, silence hung like a blade. Then, through clenched teeth, Derick spoke. "King Gorton, I told you—I am not interested in marriage. I will marry when I choose."
"Watch your tone, Roderick," the emperor warned, his voice sharp.
"You've forced this title on me. You hold me to traditions I never asked to uphold. I won't let you decide my marriage too," Derick said, his tone calm, but there was a tremor beneath—barely controlled rage, the edge of a storm. For a moment he can't stand a human,not even for a seconds,, and this old man went ahead to set up a marriage,.
"You've been crown prince for five years," the king retorted. "Yet no woman, no heir, no throne ascension. I was meant to step down and rest, but here I remain because of your delays. Since you won't act, I will."
Derick scoffed, eyes like smoldering embers. "I never wanted the throne. You chose this path for me. Now you'll choose my wife too?"
Derek rage were barely controlled, and his patience where getting snapped gradually––taking a deep breathe,, exhale, inhale, he closed his eyes wanting to calm down and not do anything stupid at the moment. Maintaining his calm facade".
"As much as Derek was in a bad mood,, so were some certain people,in the court room––this bad mood wasn't a result of the marriage, but because it's was happening with Derek, and among everybody in the land of valtoria it's had to be,the eleventh princess of Elyria ". One rumors has it to be a very beautiful, selfless,brave, brilliant, and elegant princess.
But then the marriage isn't happening among either of his son's but Derek ––why was he so favored?"someone thought fuming ".
"Your Majesty," spoke a voice from the left—Prince Damon, the fourth prince and son of one of the king's concubines. "Perhaps we should not force Crown Prince Derick. If he does not wish to marry, there are others of royal blood eligible. Let the marriage be redirected to another son."
The king's eyes narrowed. "That won't be necessary. Princess Eira is no ordinary woman. She is courageous, noble, intelligent—a warrior and protector of her people. She is the kind of queen this kingdom needs."
Unease spread through the court. Murmurs broke out. A human queen? Many found the idea unbearable.
"Your Majesty," said Right Minister Mason cautiously, "a human as our queen? Humans are mortal. They wither while we endure. What future does that hold for our legacy?"
"Are you questioning my judgment now, Minister Mason?" the king barked. "If longevity is your concern, we will turn her. She will become one of us."
The room grew still. His insistence bordered on obsession.
Still, dissent lingered. Another voice rose—this time, Advisor Henry, a man known for his level-headed counsel.
"Your Majesty," he said, stepping forward and bowing slightly, "perhaps a compromise. Many here do not oppose Princess Eira personally, but rather the manner of her appointment. If she were to prove herself through the traditional Crown Princess Contest, none could deny her legitimacy."
A ripple of agreement followed.
Henry continued, "Let noble daughters from neighboring kingdoms, dukes, lords, and even the royal household participate—those with intelligence and understanding of kingdom affairs. Let the contest test their knowledge, diplomacy, and strength. If Princess Eira wins, her position would be unshakable. And to be fair, the runner-up may be named royal consort or mistress."
The suggestion was met with nods, and then an uproar of approval.
"Please, Your Majesty—let there be a contest!" the voices rang.
The emperor exhaled heavily and studied his court. It was a sound proposal—and a strategic one. If Eira won by merit, the court would have no grounds to object.
"Mn," the king murmured. "So be it. The contest shall take place in three days. All eligible women of noble blood—princesses, duchesses, and ladies of rank—must report to the palace. Anyone absent without royal pardon shall face my wrath."
He turned to his guards. "Summon the town crier. Let it be proclaimed across the kingdom that the Crown Princess Contest has been reinstated. Only qualified candidates may enter the castle grounds."
A resounding chorus answered him. "All hail Your Majesty!"
"Good," the king said. "Let it be known—the future of this kingdom shall not be decided by blood alone, but by strength, intelligence, and heart."
With that, he rose from the throne and exited with regal poise, his cloak trailing behind him.
The nobles and officials bowed deeply until he had passed, then rose slowly, voices whispering again in hushed rebellion.
"So if Advisor Henry hadn't spoken," someone muttered, "we'd be bowing to a human queen right now…"
---
Everyone left but Derek sat still,, lost in his own thoughts, feeling nothing shot of being trapped ––everything happening has never been a desire,for him".