King James Harrington and Queen Jessica Harrington stood on the balcony overlooking the ball-room. They were peering down at the flurry of princesses surrounding their only son.
"What about her?" King James asked in his gravelly, bass voice. It was clear he was looking at a Latina who had just entered the room.
"She looks to meet the requirements," Queen Jessica agreed. "We could do well to introduce ourselves."
"Summon her," King James ordered importantly, nodding his head toward the squire training under his most favored knight.
"Yes sir." Adjusting his spectacles, he scanned a piece of paper listing the women's names and physical desriptions, concluding that the lady in question was Lady Alicia Rivera. So he leaned over the railing and shouted, "May Lady Alicia Mariana Rivera please produce herself to King James Harrington III and Queen Jessica Harrington for introductions?"
The women who had turned their faces in hope toward the squire looked disappointed. With pursed lips and rounded shoulders, they once again approached the prince. One lady, Alicia Rivera, strode up the staircase toward the balcony.
Queen Jessica extended a ringed hand. "I am Queen Jessica Harrington of Westchester, and this is my husband, King James Harrington III. We are under the impression you will make a good wife for our son."
"I am Lady Alicia Mariana Rivera, Your Majesty. And I have spoken to your son. He has asked permission to court me."
Has he, now?
"I am happy to hear it." The queen smiled. "We will bring him upstairs. Please call him, will you?" she asked the squire.
"Happy to, Your Majesty." Once again, he yelled. "Would Prince Derrick James Harrington please report to the private alcove upstairs?"
He excused himself graciously from the ring of young women surrounding him and approached. "Ah, Lady Alicia. May I ask what you are doing here?"
"Your parents have agreed with you that I shall be your wife."
"But," he turned to the queen, "may I have a moment alone with you, Mother?"
"Why, of course, Derrick. Come." She extended a white-gloved hand, and Derrick took it, leading her into the family chambers.
"I do not want to wed her." He spoke urgently.
Queen Jessica looked startled. "Is there a reason behind your desicion? She did say that you told her you would like to court her."
"I said nothing of the sort!" he exclaimed. "She's a lying little-"
"Derrick! You never discuss a lady that way. I repeat, is there a reason you do not wish to court her?"
"Because she is a lying little-"
"Stop," Queen Jessica warned between clenched teeth. "We need a heir, Derrick. She is by far the most worthy woman here at this ball."
"But I do not wish-"
"Derrick. What if we make a deal?" She didn't give the prince a chance to respond. "You have as many children as you need with her so as to have one daughter and one son. Then we can create a little 'accident.' What about that?"
He closed his eyes. "Deal." And he shook hands with his mother.