"But, father I do not wish it!"
Princess Miku's objection rang from her father's study and throughout the castle halls. Even with its irritated edge, her voice held a harmonic tune that could make any singer jealous.
"Miku, you are seventeen, and your mother and I are nearing our forties," King Hatsune responded, his calm voice contrasting his daughter's, "It is time you started to look for someone to rule by your side when your mother and I no longer can."
Lord Masaru Hatsune was a tall, robust man, with a kind heart and a quick wit. His beard had grown full and thick throughout his years of ruling. His green eyes, which were so like his daughter's, were full of warmth, but could be calculating when they needed to. Wisdom shone clearly through them, but so did a hint of youthfulness despite his old age.
Miku let out an annoyed huff, and crossed her arms indignantly. Her father had already given her the speech of how he and her mother would soon pass away, and that when it would happen they preferred her to have a husband ruling beside her.
The princess did not like it when her father spoke of when he would pass away. She was very close to her parents, and she cared deeply for them in the same way that they cared for her. Although she knew they only had good intentions in mind, the thought of losing her parents was a saddening thought she preferred not to bring up. As for marriage, she could care less. There was not a single man of interest in her life, and she refused to be married off to just anyone - which her parents interpreted as irresponsible and childish. Miku, however, did not care what they thought. All she knew is that she wasn't going to let herself be married off to some arrogant, snobbish prince just to please her parents.
She pursed her lips, thinking of what to say in order to convince her parents that not only did she not desire a husband, but that she was not ready for marriage in the slightest. As she stood deep in thought, the rays of sunlight spilling from the stained glass windows danced across her silken dress, illuminating her enchanting beauty.
Many knew of the princess's feelings towards marriage. But, it did not prevent men from constantly vying for her affections. Her beauty was something talked about in every kingdom - especially because of one unique trait she held: her unnaturally long and unnaturally green hair. Some people spoke of it as a sign of good fortune, describing it to be as lush and green as the foliage that surrounded the kingdom of Namanamashi, and brought its nickname The Land of Green. But, her beauty went beyond this uncommon trait, as her dainty figure and song-like voice was the envy of all.
"Dear, you must find a husband. I want to see my grandchildren before I grow too old you know," The voice of the queen chimed in, a somewhat teasing smile playing across her red lips.
The queen was a beautiful woman as well, her curvaceous figure the opposite of Miku's. Purple ribbons weaved throughout her brunette hair, and gold eyes shone behind her reading glasses. The queen was a strong woman and as witty as her husband was, a trait both of them passed on to their daughter. Miku often envied their relationship, as they were a rare example of a couple who actually found love through their arranged marriage when they were both only 15 years old. In a way, Miku told herself, it was partially their fault that she held such a high standard for her marriage partner. She knew what true love looked like - it was her parents. And, she also knew that they were a lucky case. An arranged marriage for her was less likely to end up the same way it did for them.
"Mother, you always said you would never force me to marry someone," The princess stated, "Why is it different now?"
"I said I would never force you to marry someone you wouldn't want to marry," Her mother corrected, rising from her chair to place a hand on her daughter's shoulder, "If you wish to keep the crown, you must marry eventually. It does not matter who, just as long as you have someone by your side and a potential heir. Without a husband, you lose your place as a monarch. Which I know sounds unfair, but that's just how things are."
Miku frowned. "Who makes such a preposterous rule in the first place? And why can't you just change them?"
"It has been in place for generations, Miku. We do not go against tradition."
"Why not?"
"Miku, please," The king interrupted, "We are only asking you to seek out a husband, not organize a war strategy. You do not even have to marry right away. We just want to be sure that you inherit this kingdom that we have built up for so long."
"All we ask is that you start to consider a potential spouse," The queen added.
Miku sighed exasperatedly, and tried to consider her parents words. If all they were asking was for her to just look for someone - not necessarily marry them but consider them - then she supposed she could comply. So long as they didn't try to force anyone on her.
"Alright," She surrendered, her better judgement getting the best of her, "I will start to search for a potential husband. But, I'm not making any promises."