Father does it for you

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I present my daughter: Lady Jordan Farcourt!” Your father's voice is loud and happy as he introduces you to the room, and the attendees break out in applause as he makes his way toward you.

As you take an awkward bow, your father takes your hand and steadies you. “You look beautiful, my sweet girl,” he whispers, giving you a reassuring smile. You feel a little calmer as he leads you to the head of the room, where a small dais has been set up.

“Thank you, kind sirs, for being here today. I know some of you have traveled a great distance to grace us with your presence. As you know, today is my daughters nineteenth nameday. This week, she will choose her partner from among the suitors present here." He raises his glass, and the crowd follows suit. "May the best man win... And please, enjoy the evening!"

As the band starts playing a festive tune, your father turns to you. "Are you alright, Sweetheart?"

You nod, though it's clear you're still overwhelmed by the crowd.

“Don’t you worry... Everything will be just fine." He waves a serving girl over, handing you a glass from her tray. "Here, some wine to calm the nerves.

You take a large gulp, then another once your father has turned his back. The glass is empty within seconds, and you take another to sip more slowly.

The crowd has begun to mingle and talk; you feel a little better now that they're not all staring at you. Plenty of eyes are still following your every move, however: some of the men are subtle, while others ogle you like a starving peasant in a butcher's shop.

One roguishly handsome gentleman walks towards you. He's dressed in dark leather, and a sword is bouncing at his waist. It's an ornate, curved thing, its golden hilt studded with gemstones. The opulence doesn't end there: he's also sporting a gold chain and no fewer than eight rings. The man's black hair is slicked-back, and his mustache is curled at the ends. Trailing behind him are two attendants, who carry a small trunk.

Your father looks very happy to see him, raising his arms and greeting him like an old friend. “General Adrian, it is so very good to see you!” They exchange pleasantries, then turn to you. “Meet my daughter, The Lady Jordan of Farcourt.”

General Adrian takes your hand and gives it a light kiss. “You look ravishing tonight,” he says, eyes roving from your ample bosom to your bare legs. You feel your cheeks warm up, though you're not sure whether it's because of his attentions, the wine, or both.

Before you can figure it out, his men put the trunk down in front of you. As they crack it open, you see that it's mostly filled with gold coins and jewels. There's also a sword and a small dagger, along with what seems to be some sleek and finely-crafted pieces of leather armor.

“Ours is a military kingdom, My Lady. Even our women fight with the strength of four ordinary Avarian men. Do you know how to fight, Lady Jordan?”

“A little,” you reply, smiling nervously as you remembering your swordplay lessons.

“Well, I’ll just have to teach you how to handle my sword.” He winks at you devilishly before taking his leave, disappearing into the crowd. Unsure what to make of the bold gentleman, you finish the drink in your hand then wave for another.

"That was General Adrian, from the Kingdom of Havas," your father says. "He has promised us wealth and military aid if you chose him."

"And will I choose him?" There's a hint of sarcasm in your voice.

"No, you will not," your father replies calmly. "This is who you will choose."

At his indication, you turn around... And find yourself face-to-face with another suitor.