My entry for today, first thing that popped into my head. I was way too emo to attempt LNE this morning, so I worked on this instead.

Penname: kyla713
Creative Original or Derivative Fiction: Derivative

Rating/Warning(s): M

Disclaimer: All copyrighted, trademarked items, or recognizable characters, plots, etc. mentioned herein belong to their respective owners. No copying or reproduction of this work is permitted without their express written authorization.

Prompt: Qualified

"And here, your Majesty, is the Lady Georgia Sunderland of Sussex, daughter of the late Duke."

The king watching in disinterest as the young woman gave a low curtsy at the foot of the stairs beneath the throne, bowing his head in return. "You do realize this ball tonight is an insurmountable waste of time, don't you, Emmett?"

Emmett attempted to restrain his laughter as the king spoke against the back of his hand and then waved the young girl away. "Sire, you well know that it is the council's wish for you to marry and produce a legitimate heir to secure your line."

"Yes, well the council isn't required to have one of these hideous beasts occupy their bed, now are they," Edward replied in annoyance while the final young lady backed away. He stood from his throne, glancing around at the multitude of bowed heads and made his way down the stairs.

As he was about to exit the room to prepare for the evening's ball, his gaze fell upon the most breathtaking creature he'd ever laid eyes upon. Her brown eyes lowered as he moved past, her silky brown hair pulled back, leaving her beautiful face and long, slender neck exposed.

She was absolutely enchanting.

"Who is that and why have I not yet seen her at court?" he asked Emmett, while never taking his eyes off the young woman.

Emmett glanced around him to observe the girl himself, and then leaned his head toward the king. "That is Isabella Swan, your Majesty. Daughter of Charles Swan, the captain of your guard and his wife, Renee. Young Isabella only just arrived this morning from France, where she has been serving as a lady in waiting to the queen."

Edward's eyes met heres as she raised her head, and a soft smile appeared on her lips. "I wish for you to arrange a private meeting between Miss Swan and myself. Perhaps this day hasn't been a complete waste after all."

x-x-x

Emmett made his way toward the king's chambers, rubbing the back of his neck nervously. He'd spoken with the entire Swan family, and was now reporting back with a folder letter in his hand.

"The king is expecting me," he said to the guard, stepping through the door and kneeling before him, holding out the letter.

"It is from her?" he asked with an excited anticipation in his voice that no one had heard in ages.

Emmett slowly nodded, taking a deep breath. "Yes, your Majesty. Her family was quite gracious and willing to adhere to your request. But she, on the other hand..."

Edward waited for him to continue, raising his eyebrows expectantly. "She... what? Did she deny my request?"

Emmett pointed to the letter and bowed his head. "She handed me that instead."

Edward hastily broke the seal and opened the letter.

Your gracious Majesty,

I am most honoured and quite humbled by your request for a private audience. However, with all due respect, I must regretfully decline. I shall be departing again tomorrow to make the necessary preparations for my impending marriage to Lord Jacob Black.

I remain your true and loyal subject, and most humble servant.

Isabella Swan

Edward crumpled the letter in his hand, balling it tightly in his fist. "She would refuse me?"

"Perhaps it's for the best, your Majesty," Emmett replied, stammering slightly as the king's cold gaze fell upon him. "What I meant was, she is not of royal or noble blood. She could be nothing more than a mistress. She doesn't qualify as a potential bride."

"I am the King of England! No one will tell me whom I can or cannot marry!" he yelled angrily, storming out of his chambers and toward the main hall. "Whom I deem worthy is who qualifies, or I shall not wed at all."

x-x-x

I was intending to go further than this, but I just don't have it in me today. Perhaps at some point, I will.