Spying on King Asshole...should be fun. (intro and character info)

“I look absolutely ridiculous,” I said in horror to the mirror, as well as on of my ladies-in-waiting, Annabelle. At a year younger than me, I liked her best of my ladies, but she was quiet, a trait we did not share.

She straightened the hem of my dress. “Now, my Lady, the Highness requests you wear it.” She stood up, pulling a strand of her pale blond hair behind her ear. “And I must disagree with you, my Lady. If I may be so bold, I do believe it is quite flattering.”

I wrinkled my nose; she was right, of course. It was a stunning dress, with the deep chocolate skirts falling around my long legs in tiers. The silk bodice was a pale pink and the thin veil I pulled around my shoulders was a modest gold. I swayed a little, letting the skirts twirl around my gold heels. To complete the look, a thin silver crown was settled atop mydark brownhair, which was done in an intricate weave. My green eyes surveyed the reflection in dismay.

I felt like a princess.

Which, of course, was the last thing I wanted to feel like. I wanted nothing more to rip that crown off my head and toss it into the fire. Then the dress would follow suit.

“Can’t you tell the Queen that I have fallen ill?” I pleaded as Annabelle clasped a simple gold chain onto my bare neck, a small ruby dangling.

Annabelle clucked her tongue. “My Lady, the guests have already arrived. I’m afraid it is a little late to play sick. Now, which earrings would you care for?”

She held out a par of matching rubies and a pair of gold tiers. I absently pointed to the rubies. She applied them to my ears. Regrettably, I took one last glance at the mirror before leading the way out of the room. Annabelle followed. “How have they turned out this time?” I asked in hushed tones. Annabelle knew what I was saying.

“A good looking sort, my Lady. I recognized the Count Havings son, the Duke of Earnestly, and Lord William. Far better than the last lot, I do believe.” I frowned.

“The Duke of Earnestly? What business does he have here? He couldn’t possibly be here for the ball.” The Duke and I had never gotten on well at all. To put it bluntly, he was a pompous ass. Annabelle shrugged.

I heard a small yelp. I turned to see my little half-sister Natalie run towards me. Her lady-in-waiting trailed behind with an exhausted expression. Natalie threw her arms around me and I returned the embrace. The older woman apologized profusely.

“Now, Natalie, don’t you look beautiful?” I complimented, giving her a once over. Her small frame was adorned in a pale blue dress. Out of all my six younger half-sisters, I liked Natalie the best. The eleven-year-old had a fiery spirit that I shared and admired. Although we shared different mothers, mine having died giving childbirth to me, I couldn’t have adored the girl any more if we had been full-blooded sisters. And so I referred to all my sisters as such.

Her blue eyes brightened mischievously. “I heard some of the men talking about you, sister.” I raised an eyebrow; Natalie had always taken to spying on the guests. Being so young, no one noticed the little eavesdropper. “They said they heard mom and dad saying that you had to find a suitor by your next birthday, and if you didn’t they would choose one for you. They believe that this is what the ball was held for.”

I had often forgotten how intelligent my little sister was. She was right, of course. The ball, though not officially, had been held so that I might find a man. At seventeen years old and the oldest of my sisters, as well as heir to the throne, the pressure to find a husband was growing. I was sure that if the men believed that my parents might be the ones to choose the suitor, they would be trying especially hard to please the King and Queen. I laid a hand on my sister’s shoulder, meeting heart eye-level. “Well, let’s see how determined these men are, shall we?” A smirk appeared on the little girl’s face. I stood to full height and offered the child my arm. She took at, skipping as I led her to the ballroom. Technically, after the feast, any child under the age of fifteen wasn’t going to be allowed, but I knew my clever sister had a way to keep hidden. I didn’t have to heart to stop her. “This is where we part ways, my dear,” I told her in a conspiring tone. She sent me a secret smile and I watched her dance away to unknown places.

I turned to find Annabelle had disappeared; she wasn’t allowed in the ballroom either. I swallowed and waited for the guards to open the towering doors. I gracefully swept in, hoping maybe no one would notice I had entered. Perhaps I could spend the time in a corner. I would find the lovely old Duke Harrison and let him keep me company for the evening…

There was no such luck. The moment I entered, all eyes were on me. I gave the crowd a small meaningless smile and curtsied, and they in turn did the same, the men bowing their heads. My eyes surveyed the large room, my eyes finding my parents immediately. They were sitting at their thrones at the moment, my father in a conversation with the Duke Blessing and my stepmother watching her company with a pleased expression. The ball had turned out to be a success it seemed.

Of course, her eyes met mine almost instantly. My stepmother, I believed, had a radar that sensed my discomfort and fed off it. Don’t get me wrong; I loved my dear stepmother deeply, for she had practically raised me as her own. I even referred to her as “mother”, just as I called my half-sisters “sister”. But she was a rather dominating person and she made it her business to control my most personal aspects of life. With bright blond hair strictly pulled into a bun, a staggering gold crown adorning her head, making her severe features even sharper, she looked her part of a no-nonsense Queen to perfection. She beckoned me with a simple wave of her hand. Obediently, I crossed the room, guests respectably making room for me to pass. I gave a courteous curtsey to my parents before approaching them. I stood by my stepmother.

“Ivy, my dear,” my mother welcomed in that voice. That voice that really was a warning. “You look absolutely stunning. We have many young men that would love to meet your acquaintance. Why don’t you engage them in conversation?” She lowered her voice and whispered in a harsh tone, so unlike the one she had been using, “Please do behave. Don’t disgrace this family.”

I resisted rolling my eyes. “Yes, your Highness,” I spat through gritted teeth. With a small bow, I left. With no intention of doing as my mother said, I scanned the room, trying to find Duke Harrison, an elderly gentleman that I liked similar to a grandparent. He often captivated me with discussion of sciences and politics, regardless of my gender. If he weren’t so high in stature, my mother would’ve forbidden me from speaking with him at all long ago.

Finding the familiar balding gray hair, I made my way through the people. Unfortunately, a voice stopped me. The Duke of Earnestly stood in front of me. He was a short man an inch shorter than my five foot eight inch stature, nearly a decade older than me with red hair and an even redder face. My parents adored him, because of his position on the High Council. “My Lady, you look beautiful, this evening.” His voice was like grinding my nerves. A new song started. “Would you spare me a dance?” He held out his arm.

I gave him as polite a smile as I could muster. “I am afraid I must disappoint you, my Duke. I am pressed with a previous engagement.” I tried to move past him, scanning for Duke Harrison again, who had disappeared.

The Duke of Earnestly sidestepped and I almost ran into him. I caught myself at the last moment. “I must insist. A lady as striking as you should be dancing.” I repressed a sigh.

“I am sorry, but I must decline.” I struggled for an excuse. The thought of the man’s hands even on something as innocent as my waist had my skin crawling. “You see, I have…”

“Already promised me with a dance,” a voice improvised from beside me. A hand was laid on my shoulder. I looked up in surprise to find Lord William, a fine gentleman with golden hair and pretty hazel eyes. I had met him on a few occasion, and although he struck me as a bit self-centered and arrogant, he was a decent man and likable enough. Especially if he was saving me from the Duke.

Immediately, I played along. “Yes, I believe I am already taken for this dance. Maybe some other time.” Just happy to get away from the Duke, I allowed Lord William to lead me to the dance floor. The Duke was glaring daggers at him, and I couldn’t keep a small smirk from playing on my scarlet lips. I absently let the Lord to twirl me and begin a waltz. I followed, not caring much for dancing, but felt obligated after my rescue. “I must give you my gratitude, my Lord. The Duke is rather insufferable.” The Lord chuckled.

“Yes, I guessed that from the way you were looking at him. I am happy to be of service.” He made a small bow before spinning me again. I finally diverted my full attention to Lord William. I had been too distracted by my getaway.

He really was good looking and I wondered briefly why I had never given him much thought. My mother’s words from our last little spat floated into my mind. You are too stubborn to even look at a man! If you weren’t so pigheaded and determined against marriage, you might find someone to your liking!

“So, Lord William, I am curious as to who has made the largest bet for my hand?” I tested. Would he refuse any knowledge of such a thing or admit to it?

He guided me easily around the crowd. “I do believe the Duke in fact. He believes himself to be in the pockets of the King and Queen and boasts that because you will more than likely refuse any suitors by your birthday, he will be the Highnesses’ choice.”

I was pleased by his reaction, though not his response. It hadn’t been something I had considered. But now that I thought about it, the Duke would be the prime option my parents would consider. He was high in position and very wealthy. “And what do you believe will happen?” I questioned, assessing him further.

He flashed a knowing grin. “I believe you would rather chose a dog than marry him.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “And do you deem yourself worthy of dog status?”

I caught my mother’s eagle eye from her throne. “I am the mangiest of mutts, my Lady,” he quipped. I eyed him with interest; he was very charming.

The song ended and he bowed low to me, releasing my hand. “If it pleases you, I beseech you to accompany me to get some wine.”

Although the offer was tempting, I was still unsure of the man. He was too charming. No doubt he had a hefty bet for my hand as well. I had to test him further. I waved my hand about. “You mustn’t be so greedy, Lord William. There are many other dogs in the kennel, waiting for me to disappoint them.” I narrowed my eyes. “But I ask if your Lordship studies archery?”

He nodded. “I am familiar with it.”

I grinned, pulling a loose strand of hair behind my ear. “Then you must come back to the Palace tomorrow to show me your skills. I hope you will present me with a challenge.”

A glimmer of astonishment flashed through his face. “You study archery?”

Yes, here was the test. “That isn’t a problem is it?” I asked with a raised eyebrow.

He hesitated before answering, “Not at all, my Lady. And I would be happy to supply you with a challenge. Shall I arrive in the afternoon? We can eat before heading to the fields?”

Seeing right through his façade, I agreed. He was uncomfortable with a woman and weapons, as were most. I had made sure I was skilled in all forms of combat by the time I was twelve. My mother had been disturbed at the obsession and had forbidden it once, but that only led me to practicing behind her back. She realized that she couldn’t keep me from doing so, so she allowed the classes to continue, only under heavy supervision and the best masters so that I wouldn’t be harmed. This was also my means of picking through my suitors. If they couldn’t handle the fact that I might beat them in hand-to-hand combat or swordplay, they weren’t the men for me.

Lord William left to mingle with the Count and I searched once again for the Duke Harrison. I would let him entertain me with his talk for the rest of the evening.

I bit my lip. This isn’t good, I thought to myself. I was using one of little Natalie’s hiding places to listen in on a Council meeting. About halfway through the ball I noticed one of the guards, a friendly man named Laurence, whisper something in my father’s ear. I would’ve turned away without giving it much thought if something similar to panic hadn’t flashed across my father’s face. Without a word, my father had silently followed Laurence out of the room after throwing my mother a meaningful glance. She continued her conversation with one of the Countess’, but I saw the strain in her smile. She was worried.

So, I politely excused myself from the Duke Harrison and exited the ballroom. I managed to wave off the guards, claiming need of the lavatory. I found my father as well as the Councilmen, Duke of Earnestly included, in the meeting hall. Natalie had once pointed out a passage hidden behind a tapestry. It was dark and cobweb ridden, but I could hear everything I needed to.

“And what was his reason for declaring this?” my father asked wearily, looking far older than I had ever seen him.

The Duke of Earnestly growled. “Does he need a reason? That King Partridge scum is greedy. We are the second largest empire, after him. If he conquers us, then it will nearly double the size of his lands and forces. Who needs more reason than that?”

Instantly, I knew whom they were discussing: King Isaac Partridge. He was the King of the largest empire in all of Shady. Over the years, I had heard many horrible things about the man. Apparently, the lands he ruled over were fraught with misery and hardship. He owned one of the biggest slave exports in the realm. I, for one, saw the necessity of slavery, but didn’t approve of it. My Kingdom had its share of slavery, but they were treated more like workers. Some masters even paid their slaves small amount. My father had frowned upon cruelty to slaves and the nobles, not wanting to earn a bad reputation, had followed his example.

“How many are we in number?”

“Thirty-seven thousand, sir,” the General replied.

My father ran his fingers through his hair. “And how many does King Partridge have?”

The General hesitate before answering, “An estimated forty-nine thousand, Your Highness.”

My father sighed. “Is there any way to negotiate a treaty with him?” If this was what I thought it was, I couldn’t blame my father for his lethargic attitude. A war with the most powerful Kingdom in the realm was something I didn’t even want to imagine. The Partridge Kingdom wasn’t the biggest for no reason; his armies were vast and said to be undefeatable.

The man on the King’s right, an intelligent man I recognized to be the head of my father’s advisors Mathew Busky, shook his head. “I am afraid the King Partridge didn’t leave his demand open for any other options.”

There was a moment of silence as the men contemplated the terrifying situation. Finally, one man spoke up. A grizzled, robust man that I knew to be Duke Weatherby. I wasn’t much familiar with him, but his words caught my attention quickly. “Your Highness,” he said tentatively, “this is a mere suggestion, but your eldest daughter is of marrying age. I understand that King Partridge is only a few years older. Perhaps…”

My father slammed the table with his fist. “I will not offer that slime my daughter!” His voice shook. My eyes widened. They want to offer my hand in marriage in exchange for peace! Though the idea made me shiver in disgust; I had never met the King Partridge, but if what people said of him was true, then I didn’t have a kind picture of the man. But I loved my people, everyone from the noble’s daughter to the slaves in the market, and if something so simple could keep a war from erupting…

Apparently, I wasn’t the only one with that train of thought. My archery instructor, Rob Garrison, a man I had always gotten along with, had taken liking to the idea and tried to persuade my father. “Your Highness, if I may, your daughter is as bold as she is beautiful. I feel that she might be able to not only handle such a King, but perhaps turn his Kingdom around for the better. Please at least consider…”

“No!” my father snarled. “I will not give my daughter up to a monster!” I winced at the harsh tone he used. My father was usually a laid-back sort of fellow.

Rob attempted again. “Your Highness,” he pleaded quietly, “she is at least old enough to decide for herself. She might possibly see the bloodshed that could be prevented and make the sacrifice.”

My father shook with rage and looked as if to argue, but seemed unable to say anything against it. Finally, he sighed in defeat. “Fine.” He waved to a guard and ordered him, “Go find my Ivy and bring her here.” The guard left obediently and my father turned back to the Board. “But if she wishes against such an arrangement, there shall be no pressure on her to fulfill it, am I understood? My daughter does not need the burden of such a thing on her shoulders.”

I froze, unable to move. What just happened? In a matter of moments, everything I had pictured for a future had shifted. I had always imagined ruling my Kingdom (though in these fantasies, I was a alone in doing so) for the rest of my days, maybe someday finding a nice noble and bearing an heir for the Kingdom. I would rule my people with a kind hand and eventually my Kingdom would grow prosperous…

But now, now what I had to look forward to was completely different. I would rule at the side of a monster, virtually powerless. If I married a noble in my own Kingdom, I would be a Queen Regnant, whom held all the influences over the government. But if I married a King, I would not only be giving up my power over my homeland, but be a Queen Consort, who had no powers unless given to her by the King, and from what I knew f the King Partridge, there was little chance of that. And forget any children. Well I’m sure eventually, if I was married to the King, he would wish for an heir, but I would refuse if possible. Even the thought… Another set of shivers ran down my spine.

Realizing that there was a guard searching for me in the ballroom, I reluctantly left the passageway and headed back, my mind whirling. Of course, I didn’t need to deal with such a future. Like my father said, I am under no obligation for such a thing. I could have the future I had always longed for.

Or could I? If my Kingdom fell to that of the Partridge Kingdom, then under tradition, the royal family is slaughtered and the nobles that cannot be bought off are sent into slavery. I knew with uncertain uneasiness that we stood little chance against the most powerful army in the realm. Then not only would my whole family, sisters and myself included, would die, but leave our beloved Kingdom in the hands of a merciless ruler.

It was clear what I had to do, but my stomach felt queasy all the same. King Partridge stood for everything I detested. Marriage to him would be a nightmare. I smiled without humor. Then the best I could do was make sure it was a nightmare for him too.

The guard found me quickly and beckoned me to follow, leading me unsurprisingly to the meeting hall. I was welcomed with grim expressions as my father asked me to sit. I was careful to keep a confused façade. The Board wouldn’t take kindly to being eavesdropped on. Actually, in that moment, I felt more like an adult than I ever had. Spying suddenly felt very childish and I felt the shame twist my gut. I was expected to make the decision that would decide the future of my Kingdom for generations. The responsibility was crushing. But I held my head high as my father explained the situations and options in a detached way. He was trying to make it out to be nothing. But he wasn’t fooling anyone, especially not me.

I was quiet for a moment. Although I had already come to a verdict in the hallway, I was silently suffering from an internal conflict. This was my last chance to back out. But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t get the picture of my sisters being slaughtered before me, all of my people in chains heading for the slave markets…

After it had been a few moments and I hadn’t responded, my father reassured me, “Listen, dear, you aren’t obligated to do this. Why don’t you just sleep on it-?”

“No,” I cut him off. I knew that if I had more time, I would end up talking myself out of it. “No, I have a duty to my people. Send the proposal in the morning.”

A round of sighs of relief were let out at the table. Except for my father. “Sweetheart, why don’t you give this a little more thought…?”

Again, I stopped him, eyes flashing. I knew he meant well, but I already doubted myself; I didn’t need his qualms added. “Father, do you know how many lives could be saved? And if we lose this war, what do you suppose will happen to the royal family? He’ll let us live in peace? Let’s be realistic, Father. There is nothing to think about.”

Taken aback, my father fell silent. I immediately felt bad for snapping at him. I heard Rob Garrison mutter under his breath. “You see, I knew she was bright.” I couldn’t even muster a smile.

I was excused but before I left the room, I remembered something. “Father, I had invited Lord William over tomorrow. Shall I cancel?”

My father’s expression was pained. Here it was, a prime example of what I could be missing out on. Had the war not been declared, I might’ve actually found some semblance of love. “No,” he said. “It is possible that the King Partridge may reject the offer. If that is the case, here is no reason for you not to seek other suitors.”

I nodded and left, too emotionally drained to go back to the ball. Besides, once word got out of a possible war, there was going to be much chaos. So, numbly, I returned to my room and tugged off the uncomfortable dress and heels. I set my crown on its pedestal gingerly. Had I just sealed my fate?