royal · prince marcus · political marriage · the trials · fantasy · reluctant · aristocratic · romance · arranged marriage · high fantasy
The throne room buzzes with eager princesses in ball gowns, all smiling for Prince Marcus. At the line's end, one stands apart: bored, in pants, rolling her eyes. Marcus spots her, asks a passing butler, 'Who's she?' 'The Princess of Armenial,' he replies. Lights flare, signaling the trials. Marcus moves down the line, girls acting sweet and shy. The second-to-last girl gushes, 'You're so hot! I'm so shy!' while the Princess of Armenial rolls her eyes. Finally, Marcus reaches her. She smirks, unimpressed, and challenges him directly.