On the eve of Finn's eighteenth birthday, Ooo was abuzz with gossip and drama. Everyone was curious of what was to happen. For the average person, it was a regular holiday—the human was a revered celebrity and hero, and a massive celebration was to be expected. For the royalty, though...something more was of their consideration.

In the dead of night, dozens of princesses traveled un-escorted to the Bad Lands for a long-awaited Meeting of Ooo Royalty. It was perhaps the most secret event they'd ever organized; no one, not even their personal advisers, had been informed. Each princess journeyed unguarded, risking her very life to be present, hoping that word hadn't gotten out. If anyone caught wind, their routes would surely be riddled with bandits and kidnappers—the detestable sort who'd truly do them harm, unlike the Ice King.

Ten minutes from midnight, the last few monarchs arrived. Wildberry Princess and Emerald Princess trudged into the room, disheveled and exhausted from their long trek. The Royal Congressional Hall was noticeably devoid of its usual male attendants. The all-female group gathered around the table in wait. When it seemed that all were present, Princess Bubblegum stood and approached the podium.

"Hello everyone. Welcome to the first secret Meeting of Ooo Royalty. As I'm sure you're aware, we're here to discuss our 479th joint decree which, in a few short minutes, will be concluded. It was proposed first by Slime Princess—"

"Because a certain someone was overstepping her bounds with a certain hero," SP interjected.

"—and signed into law by this council five years ago," Bonnibel continued unfazed. "And, with the eighteenth birthday of Finn Mertens, the document will be void. In case anyone has forgotten, it mandates royal behavior around and with the human—prohibiting any romantic pursuance, non-platonic relationships, and intimate interaction, among other things.

"I'm sorry," Flame Princess spoke up. "You guys had rules about not dating Finn?"

"Yes, well...the Fire Kingdom wasn't willing to cooperate with the council at the time, so the regulations weren't shared with your father."

"But...isn't that kind of messed up?" she asked.

The other princesses looked between each other, some appearing guilty, others entirely indifferent. The decree was a means to postpone fighting among them; they'd never considered the impact it may have on the hero.

After a prolonged silence, Marceline said, "Not any more messed up than tryin' to sleep with a thirteen year-old." She snickered and winked at Bonnibel.

"I wasn't—I wouldn't—he was—Finn is my friend," she said, her composure slipping from the accusation. "Some of us were certainly trying, however. The decree was imposed to protect him—to make him off-limits until such a time that it would be appropriate—and, uh..."

As though on cue, the clock chimed twelve. All the women shifted in their seats. Many considered running off early, trying to reach the human first. It would be a futile effort; the Bad Lands were merciless and the Vampire Queen could outpace them all. Even Bubblegum faltered with the sound.

"Well then," she said softly. "Decree 479 is void. Finn Mertens is now fair game."

A half-hearted cheer filled the hall. Everyone was excited, but they found it hard to celebrate surrounded by competition.

"Settle, settle," Bonnibel called. "I have something to add. I've prepared a list," she pulled a piece of paper from her coat and laid it out on the podium, "that should help us avoid any unnecessary confrontations. Here I've written all eligible contenders, ordered by the amount of time they've spent with Finn, most being first. I think it's fair that those with the greatest investment should have first contact and, as it happens, I have accumulated the most hours with him—"

"Oh nuh-uh, girl!" Lumpy Space Princess—now Lumpy Space Queen—slammed her hands down on the table. "You aren't gonna take this from me! I've gone further with Finn than any of y'all—I've earned him! You only have the top spot 'cause you use him as your errand-boy!"

LSQ spurred a cacophony of similar complaints from her peers. Though she remained silent, even Marceline looked at Bonnie with a glimmer of confusion. Following the Great Gum War—and the kiss they shared thereafter—she and Bubblegum had rekindled their former relationship. Both the vampire and the princess had feelings for Finn, but neither discussed them openly.

Bonnibel sensed her discomfort and leaned in to speak privately. "Listen, I should've mentioned it sooner but I just...I've been a bit distracted with the party preparations. Obviously, I'm not gonna slip off and sleep with Finn behind your back. It's just...y'know, this is my only chance before he finds a new GF. I know you used to have a thing for him too, Marcy."

"I still do," she whispered in response. "We really should'a talked about this on our way here. I'd have been all over it."

"Wait, are you saying—"

"Let's take 'im for ourselves—before these vultures rip him to pieces. We can share him." She and Bonnie smiled in agreement.

"This isn't going to affect us, our relationship, is it?"

"'Course not. We're just havin' some fun. Showin' Finnie a good time." She winked.

As they spoke, the hall had devolved into chaos. The princesses were screaming at one another, busied with petty debates and old grievances. LSQ held Raggedy Princess in one hand and waved a fist at Muscle Princess with the other.

"Hey!" Bubblegum shouted. "We're princesses! Let's act like it, shall we?"

The scene settled and the women returned to their seats. LSQ dropped RP aimlessly and scoffed.

"As I was saying, I have accumulated the most time with Finn. Second place goes to Marceline the Vampire Queen. Third is Flame Princess. Then Lumpy Space Queen. After that, the differences are narrow. I'll leave the full list in front; please check it for your number before leaving."

Bonnibel stepped back from the podium and made toward the exit.

"Wait!" Slime Princess shouted. "We never voted on your list."

PB paused and grimaced. She was hoping her deliberate misstep would go unnoticed.

"All in favor?" SP continued.

Bonnie, Marcy, and LSQ raised their hands.

"And all opposed?"

Everyone else—excluding Flame Princess, who still felt it unethical to legislate someone else's love life—raised their hands.

"Then it's settled. Anyone can approach Finn whenever they feel like it. Meeting adjourned."

The princesses shuffled from the hall into the night, leaving PB and Marceline behind. Some broke into a run, though they'd never reach the hero before dawn.

"You okay?" Marcy asked, floating alongside her girlfriend.

"Yeah." Her tone suggested otherwise.

"Hey, don't even worry about it. You know how Finnie is—he'll turn 'em all down at first. But us...he's still crushin'. We'll have 'im this time tomorrow."

Bubblegum smiled and took her hand. The pair walked outside and started toward the Candy Kingdom.

"Should we head over tonight?" the vampire asked.

"Nah, you're right. It can wait till after the party."

"Where's Finn living now, anyway?"

Bonnie frowned. "I think Jake said something about Mt. Cragdor? Mannish Man left that place after they won the Enchiridion, so I guess it was empty. I offered 'em a room in the castle...but they didn't seem too interested."

Meanwhile, Finn the Human slept soundly beside his brother in the cave atop Mt. Cragdor. He had no idea what was to come the following day.

Author's Note:

For the sake of this story, I have opted to make Finn single. He and Huntress Wizard did not continue dating following the finale. Sorry if you like them together (I do too) but it would've gotten in the way. If you're interested in a Finn x HW story, let me know.

Otherwise, let me know what you think. How's my writing? How can I improve? Any suggestions for how the story should go? Feel free to PM me or leave a review.

I should also mention, the premise of this chapter is based on "Prince Of The Grasslands" by elderscrolls master. My story will diverge from that one in following chapters, however.

Thanks for reading!