The Queen And I / Mild Aphros
Orihime kept her face plainly devoid of emotions as best she could as the suitor sneered, spat on the floor, and stalked away. She knew she shouldn't let people like that get to her; he was a liar and a con artist trying to take advantage of the sheltered princess, and the advisor had called his bluff. But even so, she felt a small twist in her stomach, and it took all of her effort not to let her gaze fall guiltily to her knees.
She wasn't supposed to marry at this young age, but there weren't any options left to her. Her father had abruptly passed away, and with the late queen years ahead of him in the grave, it left only Orihime to take the throne and rule the kingdom, and she couldn't do it alone.
Her gaze lifted quietly to her advisor, who smiled kindly and settled a warm hand on her shoulder to give her silent comfort.
It was tough. The call for suitors had gone out across the kingdom, and they showed up in hordes. Some were too old, just a step away from death themselves. Some too young, foisted up before the princess by parents hoping for a wealthy inheritance. As for those in the appropriate age range? All of them just seemed so...phony. She needed someone who cared for the kingdom, who could defend and protect it...not someone who would deplete the royal treasury as quickly as possible and rule as a tyrant. 'Heroes' came, and the self-proclaimed heroes left, once it was discovered that they had no proof of their dragon-slaying. As many as claimed to have felled the dreadful beasts, Orihime thought it was a wonder that they weren't completely extinct. One claimed to have slain a troll, and he received a point for originality, but it was fairly obvious he was lying as well. He still had all of his limbs intact.
The day waned on, and the sun had nearly set. With another exchanged glance, the advisor stepped forward to announce that no more candidates would be accepted for the day, and those still wishing to present themselves could return tomorrow.
Orihime exhaled quietly. She hoped there would at least be one decent person. But it was only the first day, and it would probably take others some time to arrive after a long journey. She hoped they found someone soon. The king of the neighboring kingdom was more than willing to take the princess for a bride, to 'unite' their lands as one. By which, he really wished for a non-hostile conquer of a rich kingdom he'd always wanted. If someone suitable didn't appear, she hated to admit it but the king would be the best option. At least he would have experience in governing the populace.
She rose to her feet as the guards moved to usher the lingering candidates out of the throne room, waiting for the advisor to tell her when she could leave. She was kind of hungry, and more than a little restless after sitting all day.
(OOC: Creativity is go! Be a last-minute candidate, the kind and helpful advisor, a prince in disguise, a villain waiting in the princess's bedchamber, a troll/demon/marauder/thief/etc. who suddenly storms the castle, a hero to STOP said storming... Be as epic or cliche as you like! I've got plenty of energy to spend on tags, so they'll be coming pretty fast. Prefs are here. Have fun!)
She wasn't supposed to marry at this young age, but there weren't any options left to her. Her father had abruptly passed away, and with the late queen years ahead of him in the grave, it left only Orihime to take the throne and rule the kingdom, and she couldn't do it alone.
Her gaze lifted quietly to her advisor, who smiled kindly and settled a warm hand on her shoulder to give her silent comfort.
It was tough. The call for suitors had gone out across the kingdom, and they showed up in hordes. Some were too old, just a step away from death themselves. Some too young, foisted up before the princess by parents hoping for a wealthy inheritance. As for those in the appropriate age range? All of them just seemed so...phony. She needed someone who cared for the kingdom, who could defend and protect it...not someone who would deplete the royal treasury as quickly as possible and rule as a tyrant. 'Heroes' came, and the self-proclaimed heroes left, once it was discovered that they had no proof of their dragon-slaying. As many as claimed to have felled the dreadful beasts, Orihime thought it was a wonder that they weren't completely extinct. One claimed to have slain a troll, and he received a point for originality, but it was fairly obvious he was lying as well. He still had all of his limbs intact.
The day waned on, and the sun had nearly set. With another exchanged glance, the advisor stepped forward to announce that no more candidates would be accepted for the day, and those still wishing to present themselves could return tomorrow.
Orihime exhaled quietly. She hoped there would at least be one decent person. But it was only the first day, and it would probably take others some time to arrive after a long journey. She hoped they found someone soon. The king of the neighboring kingdom was more than willing to take the princess for a bride, to 'unite' their lands as one. By which, he really wished for a non-hostile conquer of a rich kingdom he'd always wanted. If someone suitable didn't appear, she hated to admit it but the king would be the best option. At least he would have experience in governing the populace.
She rose to her feet as the guards moved to usher the lingering candidates out of the throne room, waiting for the advisor to tell her when she could leave. She was kind of hungry, and more than a little restless after sitting all day.
(OOC: Creativity is go! Be a last-minute candidate, the kind and helpful advisor, a prince in disguise, a villain waiting in the princess's bedchamber, a troll/demon/marauder/thief/etc. who suddenly storms the castle, a hero to STOP said storming... Be as epic or cliche as you like! I've got plenty of energy to spend on tags, so they'll be coming pretty fast. Prefs are here. Have fun!)