After opening her gifts, all of the guests, except her suitors, made their way to the ballroom. Her father was in his throne next to her, and his right hand and her friend were still seated in their seats down below.
Her father leaned in close to her. "There has been an addition to your list of suitors. He came to me earlier to ask to be considered. He managed to receive my blessing, so I hope it is not too much trouble for you my dear little gem."
"No father, that is alright. Besides, if a man can gain your blessing in less than a day, he must be quite impressive."
My father smiled and we both looked at the first man presented in front of us. He was tall with a slim build. He had medium length blond hair tied back and a square jaw covered with a hint of stubble. His hazel eyes met mine. I think this is the man that Bina had her eye on. She was right. He was quite handsome.
"Your majesty, your Highness," he greeted with a bow. "I am Lennox Arbour. Though my main place of residency is here in Criba, I travel the entire continent as a botanist."
"Good evening, Mr. Arbour. What do you believe you could bring to the table should I choose you as my husband and the future King of Criba?" I asked him outright. I didn't want this to last any longer than it had to.
"I, uh, I," he stumbled with his words. I could tell I caught him off guard with my directness. "I'm sorry, what was the question?"
"I asked what you would bring to the table as far as our relationship and the new king. If it is too difficult of a question, you may step back." I firmly stated, and the look of defeat was clear on his face. He stepped back without further argument.
The next suitor came forward. "Your Majesty," he bowed only to my father. That was a slight insult toward me, but I let it pass. "Your Highness, I am James Canter. I am a traveling knight, your Highness. I protect those in need, and help those who cannot help themselves."
"And what do you believe you could bring to the table as my husband and Criba's future King, Mr. Canter?" I questioned. This should be good. He's insulted me once, I wonder if he will do it again.
"As your husband and king, I will protect you. I would make sure no threats could reach you," he answered plainly.
"Do you always assume a lady cannot protect herself? Besides, what would be the point of my queen's guard then? You surely cannot assume that position if you are king. Are you not capable of anything other than being a brute? Is this a joke, do you even really seek my hand?" I questioned in disbelief.
His eyes widened and then he looked around and then at the floor, a bit embarrassed. After a moment he spoke, "Actually, your highness, I did not come here to seek your hand. Only to ask to become your sworn queen's guard. That is if you will have me. I am sorry if I have insulted you." he shifted on his feet, waiting for my answer as I stared him down.
After analyzing his words, I agreed and he swore his undying allegiance to me right then. It wasn't customary to do so before I was crowned queen, but I guess tonight is full of unusual events. Why not one more?
He stepped back, and the third suitor stepped forward.
"Your Majesty, your Highness." he bowed. "I am Eric Smith. I come from a high class family of black smiths. We own a large number of smithing businesses throughout Criba. I have actually brought you a gift, but I did not think you would want to open it in front of the other guest due to how unorthodox it is." He motioned for a servant, and they brought forth a small rapier. I stood, taking the weapon into my grasp. I inspected every last inch of the blade. The hilt was decorated with engraved flowers and embossed with small gems. It was quite fitting for a princess if she ever needed to wield it.
"This is a very beautiful piece and indeed quite unorthodox." He grinned as I complimented him. "However, I do hope you realize you cannot buy my hand with a gift, no matter how extravagant." He frowned at this, but nodded. He waited patiently for me to continue. "Did you make this yourself?"
"I did, your highness." He smiled with pride. "It's one of a kind, for a one of a kind princess and queen-to-be."
Flattered, I thanked him. "And what do you believe you could bring to the table if you were chosen as my husband and Criba's future king?" I questioned.
"I don't believe there is a whole lot I could bring as far as being king, but as a husband I could care and comfort you in times of need. I could and would support you in any way possible. You would be more so my queen than I would be your king. In all honesty I am not seeking the title of king, just the title of your loving husband."
My heart felt as if it could burst at that. It made me feel warm and at peace. But as much as I would love a dutiful husband for myself, I needed a king as well. "I commend you, Eric. You are very humble."
He stepped back, and the last suitor stepped forward. This man smiled at us.
"Your Majesty," he bowed to my father. Then he looked at me. "Your Highness," he said with a bow, "Happy Birthday." Huh. The only one of the suitors to actually wish me a happy birthday. That was…nice. "I am Stetson Scott. I am the son of a banker to the lands beyond the kingdom of Criba. And to answer your question, dear Princess Estelle, I plan on bringing knowledge and adventure to your metaphorical table," he said matter-of-factly.
I could only stare at him. The way my name melodically fell off his lips, had me in a trance. It didn't last though as the rest of his words registered in my brain. Was he being smart with me?
"Uh-huh, and what type of knowledge do you bring? And how could I possibly adventure when I have a kingdom to run?"
"Knowledge of the supernatural and the rest of the continent outside of Criba, your Highness. As for the adventure, it would take place during our engagement period, before you inherit the throne."
I look at my father with a questioning glance to see if he agrees with this man. He gives me a slight nod in response.
"And what knowledge could you possibly have that I couldn't read in a book, or even ask someone else?"
"Books and words of others cannot give you real life experiences, your Highness, hence the adventuring," he said teasingly.
This man was infuriating. Between how he had a way with words and the way he spoke had me wanting to swoon, but the words themselves had me wanting to boil in anger. How dare he make me feel this way.
While trying to sort my emotions, I heard my father clear his throat next to me, catching my attention. "Sorry, uhm, yes father?" I turned and asked in a hushed tone.
"He is the one that has been added to your list." he replied.
"I thought so. He is indeed impressive, but he is also infuriating, father," I whined. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see his impossibly wide grin grow even wider. Ugh, why was he so devilishly handsome?
My father let out a small quiet chuckle. "That is the feeling I was telling you about dear. I can see it written all over your face. You find him alluring, yet he antagonizes you, because he is quick on his feet, and challenges you."
At the realization that my father was right I turned back to face everyone at the bottom of the steps. I looked at my friends and they only smiled back at me, nodding to go ahead and accept him.
I stood from my throne and descended the steps. I stood a few inches from the cocky man and glared up into his face. Analyzing every curve and crevice of his face. There was something about him that gave me an unknown feeling. I shrugged it off and broke the silence.
"Is there something you would like to ask me, Mr. Scott?"
He knelt, understanding the undertone of my question. "Your Highness, Princess Estelle of Criba, would you do the honors of becoming my wife and queen?"
His eyes bore into mine. A hint of mystery and adventure. "I suppose I will."