“I just have an ominous feeling.”

Stewart realizes he cannot way more without betraying Tristian’s confidence. “I just have an ominous feeling, Father. That is all.”

King Malcolm smiles reassuringly. “I understand, Son. Don’t worry; I know it is important to you that your future queen be pleasant to your eyes. As much as it is important to me that the succession of the crown be secured, I will not do so at the expense of requiring you to spend the rest of your days sharing a bed with some repellant thing! Besides,” the king adds in a quieter voice, glancing sideways at his wife to make sure she does not overhear, “while a royal harem is no longer part of our official lifestyle, the crown carries many pleasant prerogatives. What I decide today for you does not condemn you to a life of monogamy by any means.” He gives his son a knowing wink before settling back in his throne.

Stewart attempts a smile in reply, but his thoughts are distracted by Tristian’s warning.

The King taps his scepter on the floor and commands, “Let the presentation begin!”

Stewart looks as the large, ornate doors to the throne room are opened, and he sees a vast assembly of people awaiting entrance. They file in, by family, with a page announcing each one in turn.

“Lord and Lady Hildebran of Orchardsview, and their daughter, Eloise.... Viscount and Viscountess Wellmore of Narrowhaven, and their daughter Rose.... The Duke and Duchess of Elkhorn, and their niece Gabina....”

Had it been under any other circumstances, Stewart might have enjoyed the parade of lovely young women. Some were shy and could barely look up at him. Others were openly flirtatious, blinking their eyes at him coyly. Inwardly he laughed at the premise that these were the most beautiful and eligible virgins in the kingdom, for he saw several whom he knew from personal experience had foregone the virgin mantle some time ago. A few he thought he recognized from being in his brother’s company, which would have meant the same thing.

If he had any concerns about being stuck with a hag, those could all go away. Any one of these young women would be a fine catch and a delight to wake up next to. His concerns were on more pressing matters, though, than carnal thoughts.

After an interminable period of announcements and presentations, Stewart looks out over the assembly. The king then welcomes all to the festive occasion. Stewart attempts to look focused on his father’s words, but he can’t help looking over the crowd, seeing if he can spot any hidden motives behind the eager and expectant expressions.

Having concluded the welcoming remarks, the guests are divided into groups for the luncheon, with the young women going off to one room and the parents going to another. When they have departed, the Queen excuses herself to undertake her responsibilities as official hostess, while the king leans over to his son and asks, “Well, Stewart, have you seen anyone in particular you wish to know better?”

“In truth, Father, I have not. They are all a blur at this point.”

“I understand. That is the purpose of this day, that you can narrow the choices somewhat. Your mother and I will host the parents during the luncheon, but the ladies are all yours. You will find them seated in groups at various tables, and each table has an empty seat reserved for you. If you could make the rounds during the meal and see if there is anyone who is of particular interest, we can begin to narrow the field.”

Seeing the distracted look on his son’s face, he asks, “Are you still concerned about the Enlightenment rabble? We have seen no signs of threats today, have we?”