The castle of the Central Commonwealth stood tall above the surrounding towns, the colorful capital city likewise dwarfed by its majesty. Tall towers flanked enormous walls of white stone, silvery in the morning light and dew. Great shadows fell on the far side, and in the shade herds of cattle grazed upon expansive fields. Parapets extended from every tallest point. Many shuttered windows were present on every side, looking at the countryside. The only window without such decoration was a great stained glass expanse, which depicted a falcon flying through snowfall, visible best from the throne room.
Inside the throne room, two men stood, talking intently, one older and one younger. The older had silvery white hair, swept back and pinned down with a simple yet kingly platinum crown. He stood tall, with a presence of intelligence and wisdom and strength. However, his face was lined as a consequence of laughter, belying his wisdom. No matter where he looked, his intelligent gray eyes were intent on anything he saw. The younger man looked just like the older in nearly every aspect, even to his platinum blond hair, likewise swept back and crowned with a simpler silver circlet. His blue eyes were alike to shattered ice, calm and intelligent, and his back was straight as a ramrod. Both men carried themselves with dignity, as befit their royalty, and spoke with fondness to one another.
"How was your journey, my son?" the king asked.
"It was most productive. Our eastern towns shall not go hungry under our care," the prince replied.
"Very good. I am proud of you, Zane. You have grown to be a fine leader for our people." The king put his hand on his son's shoulder. "You bring honor to the Julien name."
Zane bowed his head in thanks. "It is the least I can do for our people. Without them, our rule means nothing."
"You are right; it is by their desire that we govern. I only wish that your brother Echo could have seen the man you have become." The king smiled, a tinge of sadness to his face.
The prince's face fell. The sound of his brother's name was a bittersweet one. After a few moments, he schooled his features back to calm. "What would you have me do next, Father? Shall I go with the diplomatic mission to the southern kingdom?"
"No, they have already departed. I would like to speak to you about a different matter." The king folded his hands pensively. "My son, I am growing older with every passing year. Time has served me well, but I cannot live forever."
Zane nodded. "Has your health suffered while I was gone?" he asked, concern flooding his voice.
"No, thank the First Master. However, I have had time to consider the future." The king met Zane's eyes, every aspect of his countenance sincere. "My son, you are by no means a child any longer. We have reached a point where you should begin considering whom you will marry."
At this, Zane shook his head. "I do not know any noblewomen who would be fit for the task. I cannot take a wife from among them." His eyebrows creased in distaste. "I will not marry a foreigner, either, or any woman who is not of our people. They must be ruled by one of our number."
"Your wisdom is beyond your years, my son. However, you must choose someone eventually, despite your misgivings." The king began to pace. "Perhaps some sort of event might be arranged, that you might meet a fitting woman from among the people. Perhaps a contest, or a ball, where you might meet candidates for the role."
"An event, Father? What sort do you suggest?" Zane's mind whirred. "Perhaps a festival would befit the need better than a ball."
The king smiled. "That is an excellent proposal. We shall host a long festival; three days in which you might meet the women of the kingdom and find someone fitting." The king's eyes twinkled. "I will put you in charge of it, so all the events might fit the qualities you seek in your wife-to-be."
Zane bowed his head in agreement, pushing down his warring feelings of trepidation, dread, and excitement. "I will do my best. When shall it be?"
"The week after next, if you are able to organize it so quickly. Will that suffice for you?"
"It is more than enough time." The prince paused, but came to stand before his father once again. "Thank you, Father, for allowing me to be so particular. I know it has been difficult for you. I will find someone who will rule well, like Mother did."
The king smiled, a slight bit melancholy. "I have no doubt you will search far and wide until you find her, my son, no matter how long it takes. Trust yourself, and it will be easier."
"I will do my best."
In the intervening time before the festival, Prince Zane rarely rested, overseeing every part of the festival planning. During the three days, the population of the capital city and the surrounding towns would be welcome throughout the fields around the castle, where there would be games and spectacles. There would be many things to indulge in, such as delectable foods from all over the Commonwealth, and the finest or artisan craftsmanship where any merchant could sell his wares.
In the center of the field, an arena was set up. It hosted many seats, and a tawny soil floor, such that all the kingdom's knights and squires could do their best to prove their worth. Zane would also compete each day, jousting with the winners of the earlier matches. As per an agreement with his father, he was to take the favor of a woman he saw fit to consider, but no other. Throughout the rest of the tournament, he would also be present, whether as a competitor in the games or an attendee, meeting as many ladies as he could without the fear of appearing as a womanizer.
As the days of the festival approached and the announcements were sent out, Zane's trepidation grew. For years, he had felt free, as the need to find a bride had been a faraway concern. He had been able to travel, to study, to learn, and to begin to rule without concern of a woman who would monopolize his attention. Any knowledge in the world was at his disposal, and even the farthest corners of the world were within his grasp. Now that he had to find a fitting bride, were his days of freedom over? How could he live his life as he had before?
He tried to shake his worries, but they were unceasing. As a husband, he would be required to set aside the time to tend to his wife, and everything that she entailed to him. She would take up his time, energy, attention, and more personal things than those, some of which he feared to even think about. How could he please a woman while also pleasing himself, whether in mind or body? No matter how he considered the problem, it seemed impossible.
In any time he could take to himself, Zane delved into prayer and meditations, but they rarely helped. Instead, his mind was filled with images of his future. Of course, once a courtship began, he was to spend time with his wife-to-be. Then his wedding day would come, with all its trappings and traditions. As of that day, he would be tied to that woman, and there would be no leaving her. The visions he imagined turned toward the further future as he realized that any travels he would take would be with his wife, unless toward war– First Master forbid. His children would be raised to ascend the throne, and would be his pride and joy. When he was aged, one would be crowned…
Slowly, his fears began to slip away. The prince thought about his future, and suddenly felt as if his concerns were small. If his life was to be spent with anyone, a woman with whom he could speak and learn would certainly not be poor. His kingdom would live well under the rule of a learned and graceful woman, if only he could find one.
Despite the prince's warring feelings, time marched on, passing under his nose as the kingdom prepared. The first day of the festival grew ever closer, and Zane could only watch and wonder.
Ladies and gentlemen, the dashing Prince Zane makes his entrance with a flourish!
As a little warning, updates on this story might get a little spotty every once in a while (although so far that looks unlikely) due to the fact that I'm moving! There have been a lot of showings of my house and so far I'm finding it a little difficult to get uninterrupted time for writing. Despite that, this fic is my current priority on the writing front, so it shall receive updates anyway!
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