#tqh

“Your Highness, it’s time,” her attendant whispered to her.

She took a deep breath, plastering a big smile on her face while looking as regal as the queen she is. The doors swung open and she stepped into the hall. She glided across the floor, strong and confident… a leader capable of protecting her country from anything. A room full of suitors stared at her, each one accessing her looks and every move she made.

She made her way over to her throne, sitting down on the uncomfortable chair and preparing to meet the men that had come for her hand. One by one, they were introduced to her until their faces blurred together. Prince from here, Duke from there, young, old, and she was supposed to pick who would be the best one to help her run a country. Fortunately, there would be a stack of files on her desk with the details about each on potential husband. Tomorrow she would sit back in a comfortable chair and go through all the files in the peace of her own office.

“May I introduce Prince Emeric; third son of the King of Pergale,” the attendant said, pulling her from her thoughts. She looked at the man standing in front of her expecting to see another fake smile followed by flattering words. Instead, she was met with cold blue eyes the color of sapphires. His mouth was set in a frown as he looked her over. She couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow at this prince.

“Your Highness,” he said his voice rough and deep. He didn’t even bother to bow in her presence and just inclined his head a little. She stared at him, noticing he was tall and well built. His jet black hair stuck up in messy spikes and his posture showed he was reluctant to be here.

She nodded in return and the prince stepped back before turning and walking back into the crowd. Her eyes followed him as his back disappeared into the crowd. The introductions continued on until she was sure people were going to start hearing her stomach grumble. Once they were done, a feast was brought in and the guests took their seats. As Queen, she had to maintain her elegance, even while eating. Right now all she wanted to do was tear into the juicy looking roast sitting on the table. Her servers started filling her plate with small pieces of fruit and greens. The small sliver of roast was not enough to satisfy her hunger but she never let that show.

After everyone was finished eating, they followed her to the ballroom where she had to dance with every man that asked. The heels and dress she wore were far from comfortable and she dreaded having to dance in them but she would never let that thought show. Dance after dance, suitor after suitor, some which stepped on her already sore toes. Finally, she found a reason to excuse herself from the torture and made her way to the balcony for some fresh air. Glancing around, she found herself alone and took the opportunity to step into the shadows and slip off her shoes.

“How anyone can fucking walk in these damn things… let alone dance in them… is beyond me,” she mumbled, lifting her skirts so she could rub her aching feet.

“I don’t believe I have ever heard such words come from the mouth of a Queen.” A deep voice broke the silence around her. Surprised, she spun around only to meet the blue eyes of Prince Emeric. He was standing in the shadows of the castle leaning against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest.

Aware she currently had her skirts lifted up above her knees, she quickly dropped them and corrected her posture to that of a regal queen. “Prince Emeric was it?” she asked. “As Queen, one would think I could talk however I wanted.”

Prince Emeric snorted, rolling his eyes. “We both know that isn’t true,” he said, dropping his hands and taking a couple steps towards her.

She grinned in response and was surprised to see his eyes widen for a fraction of second. “I apologize then, I didn’t realize I wasn’t alone. I hope my vulgar words didn’t damage your delicate ears,” she retorted, unable to stop herself. Prince Emeric outright laughed at her response.

“Don’t worry, your Highness, my ears are far from delicate.” He continued to chuckle. She found that she liked the sound of his laugh. It was as deep as his voice and seemed to rumble throughout his chest.

“You don’t say,” she said, trying to hide her smile. He moved closer and her heart rate sped up.

“I wonder what else you say and do that is not Queen-like?” he asked, his eyes burning with something she didn’t recognize.

“I’m sorry to disappoint you, Prince Emeric, but I assure you that I am definitely Queen-like,” she replied, standing a little taller.

“That is too bad,” Prince Emeric grinned. “You would be much more interesting if you weren’t.” Her heart thumped at his crooked grin and she let her mask slip ever so slightly.

“You think so, huh?” she grinned back.

“Definitely,” he replied, taking another step closer.

“My Queen, are you out here?” her attendant called from the balcony doors.

She sighed heavily at the interruption. “Yes, I am coming back in now,” she replied, turning towards the door. “It was a pleasure talking with you, Prince Emeric,” she said, looking over her shoulder.

“I can say the same, Your Highness,” he replied with a small bow.

As soon as she made it back into the ballroom, she was swept away by more suitors wanting to dance. The dances continued without giving her chance to rest. She was so sick and tired of having clumsy princes stepping on her toes that she could scream, but she continued on dancing with a smile on her face. One prince in particular came back for a dance again and again. Every time he would remark on how beautiful she was and how he would make a perfect king.

The music stopped and she stepped away from the over eager prince, desperate to get away, but he held tight to her hand. “Please, Your Highness, might I have another?” he asked. She had opened her mouth to reply when a deep voice cut her off.

“I believe it is my turn,” Prince Emeric said, walking up beside the Queen.

“Oh, pardon me then,” the eager prince said, bowing low.

Prince Emeric took her hand, stepping around in front of her and placing his other hand at her waist. The music started and it was a fast tempo which made her groan internally for her aching feet. Prince Emeric, however, kept his steps small and slow.

“Prince Emeric, I believe that we are supposed to dance a bit faster to this song,” she said quietly.

“Yes, but your feet hurt, don’t they?” he smirked.

“I thought I was doing a good job of hiding that,” she chuckled.

“It helps that I heard you cussing your shoes out on the balcony,” he said.

“So, what made you decide to join the party? I figured since you were lurking outside that maybe you were more antisocial,” she asked.

“Something sparked my interest, so I decided to check it out,” he grinned.

“You weren’t interested before?” she asked.

“No, not really, I’m a third son, so my father wants to use me to create an alliance with another country.” The grin falling from his face as he shrugged.

“The life of royalty, unfortunately… our fate is never our own,” she sighed.

“You aren’t interested in tonight’s event?” Emeric asked, surprised.

“Does a dog look forward to being put on a leash?” she snorted in response. “The counsel demands I find a husband. They don’t think a woman can run a kingdom on her own.”

“From what I’ve seen and heard, you do remarkably well on your own,” Emeric said.

“Thank you,” she smiled. “What of you? Do you want to run a country?”

“With two older brothers, I’ve never given it much thought. I’ve always focused on being able to protect my country instead,” Emeric replied.  

“Ah, I wondered if you were a soldier,” she said.

“What made you think that?” Emeric asked.

“Well, for one… the callouses on your hands,” she replied, running her thumb along his palm that held her hand. “You only get ones like these from hard work with either tools or weapons. Then, there is your physique; tall, strong, walks with confidence, and moves like someone who has been trained to fight.”

“You’ve been checking me out?” he chided, a mischievous smile crossing his handsome face.

“I am supposed to pick out a husband. I need someone who is capable of joining me on the battle field and in the throne room,” she replied. “It would also be nice if I found him physically attractive.”

“Are you trying to tell me you think I have a nice body?” he teased.

“I never said I was referring to you,” she smiled.

“Ouch,” he chuckled. “You have a good eye, Your Highness.”

“So, are you a soldier?” she asked.

“Yes,” he replied.

“Now, to figure out if you are an experienced soldier or just another prince who likes to play with a sword,” she continued.

“Swords and a glaive, I don’t play with them either,” he said with a glare.

“Looks like I hit a nerve?” she asked.

“I lead my countries armies,” Emeric replied.

“A General?” she asked, impressed.

“Yes,” Emeric replied, giving her a challenging look.

“I must say, I didn’t realize who you are. The Black-hearted General of Pergale. Your army’s reputation is well known for how efficiently they dispatch any threats,” she said.

“I don’t really like that title,” Emeric said, frowning at her.

“I can see why. My first impression of you is far from black-hearted,” she said.

The music stopped and Emeric stepped back, taking one of her hands and bowing over it. “Well, to be fair, you don’t really know me, Your Highness,” he said before brushing his lips over her knuckles.

“Inara,” she said.

“Excuse me?” Emeric asked, confused.

“My name is Inara,” she clarified. “You didn’t really think I didn’t have one, did you?”

“Inara,” he said, sending shivers down her spine. Her name on his lips did strange things to her body.

“Emeric, it was a pleasure to meet you,” Inara said with a curtsey.

“The pleasure is mine. I hope we can talk again,” he replied before turning to leave.