Nuimea has a minion!

Orialis the Revontuli

“But Father! It’s not fair!” Nuimea stomped her foot impatiently, staring up at her father in defiance. Mea was a Princess and that day, her father, the King, had informed her that she was to be wed to a Prince from a neighboring Kingdom- in hopes to ally their lands together through marriage.

“You will get your chance to meet him, but your marriage will not be until he comes of age.” the King spoke calmly, not seeming at all perturbed by his daughters rude behavior.

“When will that be?” she sobered some, worried that her betrothed was to be eighteen soon.

“Five years hence.” he explained to her, still ignoring the sudden shock on her face.

“Five years?” Mea's mouth opened wide in shock. She was expecting him to say months, not years.

“Yes, so you will have plenty of time to get use to the idea.”

“This is insane! You can’t expect me to marry some boy I don’t even know in five years! What if I meet someone before then?”

“Oh? Are you expecting the suitors to line up down the streets?” the King was amused, but he wouldn't doubt if the offer was made, there would be plenty of takers, even now. After all, the young Princess was already a beauty and would only be getting more lovely as the years went on- just like her mother.

“Well, no, but I still could meet someone. There are always men in the court, and while they may not always talk to me, I know they notice me…”

“Of course they notice you, you’re the Princess…” her father interrupted with a chuckle.

“Father…” Mea whined.

“Mea, behave like the lady you are.” her mother suddenly interjected, frowning. She didn’t like it when her sixteen year old daughter acted like a child. She was much better behaved than that, so she ought to act as such at all times, even in the private audience of her parents.

With an impatient sigh, Mea tried not to roll her eyes as she kept her gaze on her father. “Am I really expected to meet this Prince once, then marry him in five years? Just because you wish to gain another ally?” she frowned, feeling more like a pawn- someone else playing with her love life and future just for the so-called “good of the kingdom”.

“You are saying, I have no choice in the matter at all?” Mea challenged, frowning at her father all the deeper. She would fight him tooth and nail until she got her way. She knew thirteen year old boys in her kingdom, they were still children in her eyes. Annoying and immature and yet she was expected to meet the Prince- who likely would not be much better behaved- and wait for him? She decided then and there, no, she wouldn’t.

Looking at the Queen, who didn’t make eye contact with him, the King sighed softly before looking back at his daughter again. “You make a fair point my darling. You should have a choice. His coming here for you two to meet has already been arranged, however. So you will still meet him. However- the marriage will stand- unless-” he cut her off before she could interject her objection- “you find someone else. But not just anyone else.

“This man must be worthy of the crown. He can’t be some peasant you picked out of a crowd and he must meet my approval as well as the Queen’s. I will not hand over my crown and my kingdom to some bandit or thief bent on destroying what I have spent a lifetime building. He must be educated as well. In many ways, he must be a Prince- but does not necessary have to be royalty.” the king felt his explanation was sound and hoped his young daughter approved. He didn’t want her to be unhappy after all. He knew it would disappoint the King of the young Prince, but his daughters happiness was more important.

Intola was his kingdom, his charge and he would do all he could to take care of it, and if that meant insuring his daughter would remain, and be happy, he would sacrifice what was necessary- even a new ally.

With a wide smile, Nuimea noddled and hesitating only a moment, darted up to her father sitting on his throne and wrapped her arms around his broad shoulders.

“Thank you daddy.... I love you.” Mea whispered softly, smiling. She gave her mother a hug as well, only one that was more polite, then happily left the throne room, elated she still had a say in her own fate. She only hoped it would be enough.

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