Duty-Bound: Chapter 62
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Almost an entire moon cycle of her time had passed as the heiress of the West when the first demand from the elders came. The demand was the same as her late sister's, so he was not that surprised, but still, he was hoping that it would not be this soon. They demanded her to find a suitable husband from one of the noble families. Suddenly, Ruka's face flashed before his eyes, but he shook his head mentally.
In order to take over the throne, the heir or heiress of the land would have to be married. An unmarried ruler wasn't allowed to rule as they would be considered too immature to look after the people. Rulers had to prove themselves capable of looking after their own family first. It was a logical reason, but…
"I refuse." She gave an uncompromising look towards the elders.
"Sooner or later, you will have to."
"Later then," she replied with a clipped tone.
"It's your duty before taking the throne, Princess."
He could see that she was trying to hold her annoyance within herself. Her self-control was one of the things he admired about her. Despite being a princess, she was a spitfire. She would not give in without putting up a good fight. It reminded him of the time he brought her back to this land.
Her eyes narrowed. "I do not repeat myself."
"At least give us a reason for refusing to seek a husband."
She searched for his presence before turning back to the elders. "I have already chosen."
His lips twitched in amusement when he heard relieved sighs from the elders. If only they knew what they would hear soon.
"You should tell us earlier, Princess."
"Present him to us."
After a long silence, she replied, "He's not noble."