Once upon a time there was a kingdom with large lands, rich farms, strong armies and a king that people learned not to mess with. Everyone knew that he had a cruel heart, but he kept the kingdom thriving. The kingdom was not poor and never stayed at war long. Their strong armies were born killers; started at the age ten. But this story isn't all about their armed forces. The king's queen had fallen dead before she could bear his children.
A king with no queen meant he needed another one. There had to be an heir for the kingdom's future. King Robin ordered for the Kingdom to order an event for all single women between twenty and thirty. King Robin wanted a woman within his reign to wed. Regina Mills only a Miller's daughter seemed surprised to get an invitation. Her mother Cora drove Regina mad with the plans for her to prove herself worthy. Regina met a few suitors in the past, but none held her interest.
Her mother got sick of none of those rich men marrying her daughter. Regina wanted love but would have settled for any connection. The main reason Regina went along with her mother's plan for this event was because it kept her quiet. When Cora kept quiet; the house held some peace.
Regina's hair loosely curled under her crown braid. The green and cream dress hugged her figure in all the right ways. Cora didn't spend much on the dress keeping it simple. However, the pearls around Regina's neck were from generations ago.
"Breath and remember to smile. You have been blessed with straight teeth, so show them off." Coraline stood behind Regina, looking at her necklace. Her fingers graze her daughter's shoulders. "You can do this."
"Right, no pressure." Regina mumbled under her breath.
Her mother's gaze glued to Regina after her quiet comment. "You don't want to be a miller your whole life, girl!"
She winced from her mother's raising voice. Regina nodded. "Yes ma'am."
No later than an hour a carriage came up picking up eligible women for King Robin. The ride to the Castle held no words, only awkward tension. She picked at her hands, a nervous habit. Somehow, Regina got lucky because she got to ride alone. Maybe it wasn't luck? Her stomach twisted in knots. She didn't eat anything today, but she knew there would be food at this event. If her stomach allowed it, she would try to eat once she got there.
The castle started to seem so much bigger in person. Regina's eyes widen as she leaned towards the window to get a better view. The paint looked brand new, though no one has painted in many years. Guards and Knights standing as a line of carriages formed to let the women into the castle. For the King's safety, no one could join the women. Deep down despite her upset nerves, she was thankful her mother couldn't be with her. This allowed her a break from her nagging mother for a day.
A dozen of carriage had stopped and from what she could see 3 or 4 women came out of each one. Yes, the ride alone had been a blessing. She didn't want to hear the bitter remarks, snarky attitudes because that could have been a cat fighting waiting to happen. No one knew about David, a man she met in the marketplace months ago. He had a flock of sheep and some chickens on his farm. Though, he had much land her mother would not have approved because he didn't have much money. Regina refocused herself to meeting this King.
Once all the women were led into the castle. Regina felt like castle being transfer into another field. Within the group of nearly forty women, a lot of chatter spread among them. The room looked as if this is where they hosted balls. Tall windows allowed the sunlight in, blue and cream walls felt welcoming, and the few long tables in the back of the room held food. The food smelt so fresh and expensive. A man dressed like someone important came in the room speaking to the women. Regina's eyes were hooked to the tables in the back of the room, since the room was so large it was hard to see what's on them.
All the women besides Regina started to make their way to the tables in the back. That's when she guessed the man said, go eat. Her delayed reaction earned her back of the line. The women in front of her whispered, the king would be here soon. The two doors in the room were guarded with two guards at each door. Regina thought, wow, I guess the king will be here soon…
Everyone got a full plate of food, and there seemed to be enough more to feed another dozen. The door behind Regina swung opened, and the women stood to there feet. Once again, Regina being one of the last women to stand after she whispered.
"What's going on?" She looked around and then saw King Robin
"It' our king…" Someone nearby whispered.
She spun around quickly, the King approaching them. Yes, Robin was a handsome man, but looked mad. His brows furrowed and jaw tight. He looked over the women that came for him. The room so quiet that you would have heard a pin drop. King Robin walked up and down studying the women. He stopped pointing to a red head.
"You step over there." He ordered; his gaze flickered to the window. The women nodded her head before she followed his order.
"You and you… who was last to stand up for your king… why wont you look me in the eye?" King Robin pointed to a blonde and then Regina. Regina's gaze kept towards the floor even when he spoke to her.
He walked over to her, he towered over her awaiting an answer.
Regina paused. "Because, I'm no royalty…" Her gaze still down.
Regina gasped when he moved in a blur. His hand at her jaw, gripped tight and made her look up at him.
"You're right. You are not… but you are here to be my queen. I want to look into the eyes of a wife." He let go of her and pointed to the other two women.
She bit her lip, paused for a long moment before she felt his gaze grow cold and she hurried to the others. He chosen three women and then looked each one closely.
"I will dance with each of you, have a drink and a walk."
The other women behind him watched with wide eyes. A few gasped and mumbled that no one could make out what was said echoed throughout the room. King Robin snapped his head over his left shoulder at them.
"Finish your meal! Then you may be dismissed." He clapped his hands. It seemed instantly that the women sat down to finish their fancy lunch.