Give them a chance to prove themselves first.

"While I understand the need to start building my family," you tell your advisors, "I want to be certain that the bloodlines will be kept strong. Many conflicts will come to Itheria, both from within, and from beyond our borders. I have worked on my ability to fight since the demon invasion in Phebis, and I want Itheria's next queen to be by my side, should we must go into battle again. It is why I have chosen Devona, Fiona, and Khalisah initially. Having Cielina and Arin in the mix will make the competition more intense."

"If that is the case, your highness," Garrett replies, "then we do nae know how well Arin can fight."

"The Elethiel royal family are known to be strong battle mages." Vessa speaks out. "It is also natural for them to be fine archers. Perhaps Arin has a mix of all three abilities."

"We will let them prove their capabilities, in a variety of tests." You tell them. "Gilbert, you have taught me to keep an open mind to what our people want, and how capable they are in certain situations. Garrett, since Phebis, you have helped me hone my skills in combat, and work out a regimen to get stronger. I want Itheria's queen to be capable of defending herself, and she must also be able to work with our people. After all, Itheria is only as strong as the people who live and fight for the kingdom."

"So are you going to have them work and train with you for a time?" Gilbert asks you.

"That is what I am planning to do." You reply.

(Later)

"Here, in Itheria," you speak to the royal court, "a king must be strong in mind, body, and soul. When my father and mother ruled these lands, they were both capable fighters, yet open-minded to the views and needs of the people. They did nae try to please everyone--a feat that is impossible to do. Instead, they worked to ensure that the majority of the people were at least content. A happy population, is a population that will work willingly, and defend the kingdom, when called upon. Two cycles ago, I sent a significant portion of our army to help defend Phebis from one of the most daring raids by Queen Cielina and the Thessia Tribe of the Amazons. What none of the parties involved realized, until the attempt was made, was that the Demons of the Netherealms used it as one of their latest attempts to make our realm burn. That event accelerated the need for her and her people to change their ways.

"Change can be a long and hard road. However, there are times when it is necessary, in order to evolve, in order to survive in a changing world. Our known world is expanding, as new lands, new people, new ideas, and new forms of knowledge are discovered. We are learning more about what is going on in the North, and the perils that the Elves of Elethiel are going through. We are learning that nations that once thrived on raids, are changing to a more peaceful rule. We are also learning that matriarch governments are not limited to just the Dark Elves. We, Itheria, must continue to be open-minded, willing to defend our homes, willing to respect the different cultures and lifestyles of our neighbors, and willing to be ready to change and adapt.

"Two years of searching for your next queen have come down to these five women: Devona of the Frostpeaks, Fiona of Gaelica, Khalisah of Al-Anashab, Cielina of the Thessian Amazons, and Arinyagimli of Elethiel. In these forthcoming days, these women will work alongside the crown. They will assist in the continuous training of our forces. I have also authorized the commission of the first all-women regimen, as either of these women are capable of getting women trained in the duty of being soldiers. They will also be working with you, people of Itheria, addressing whatever issues emerge. In one month, a final decision will be made that will steer the crown, and the people of Itheria, in a new direction. During that time, these women may opt out of their candidacy, without any repercussions. That, people of Itheria, is a decision I do nae take lightly. This is a decision that I am doing, to best ensure the longevity and prosperity of the dynasty, and to carry it to you, people of Itheria. May the gods continue to guide us, and bring glory to Itheria. That is all, court dismissed."

You watch as the people inside the court make their way out, although you can sense a bit of distrust among those who prefer the more traditional ways of life. Once it is just you, your advisors, and the five maidens, you speak once more, after you take a sip of water from a chalice.

"Now that the rest of the court have left, I can talk more on what will happen in the next month. First of all, the training of the Itherian soldiers. Not only will you be working with the first all-women regimen, but you will also be working with the men. I want all of you to respect them to the best of your abilities, and they will return that same amount of respect to you. Secondly, you will assist in addressing any issues brought upon by the people of Itheria. They can range from simple conflicts between multiple families over rights of use to land, to addressing issues where the beastfolk are not completely treated as equals, despite the best effort of Duchess Akina. Last of all, is intimacy. To help ensure that everyone has a chance, you may share the royal bed only once per week. There will also be no engagements of such activity other than in the bed at night. Are we all clear on that?"

"Yes, King Bryce." Cielina replies first. "Your terms are fair for everyone--to me, at least."

"Aye, your highness," Devona speaks next, "I agree to these terms."

"It will be done your will, King of Itheria." Fiona is the next to reply.

"I will do my best to honor these obligations," Khalisah speaks next, "and win your heart."

"A fair set of rules, King Bryce." Arinyagimli replies. "I agree."

"Good." You tell the ladies. "The test will begin on the morrow, and neither of you ladies can share the royal bed this eve. In the meantime, I do have a few special obligations for some of you. Cielina and Khalisah, I want you to see the royal tailor, a Dwarven woman named Vivka. Lady Vessa will guide you there, where the tailor can then get your dimensions, and fit you into some of the royal Itherian dresses and bodices. It will be one of the things you must endure, if you are to be Queen of Itheria. Devona, as you still have some tasks to fulfill for Duke Magus here in the Crownlands, you will continue to do that, as well as partake in the test. Arin, you will also with Lady Vessa on improving reproduction methods. It should only be enough to sustain or provide sustainable population growth, not cause an overwhelming population explosion. Fiona, since the scars between your people and the people of The Goldfields are still fresh, at least half of the people-pleasing assignments you will given, will be to help The Goldfields recover."

"By your will, your highness." All five maidens respond.

"That is all, ladies." You tell them. "I will see you on the morrow."