What choice do you have?

Too stunned to react, you head towards your table. As you sit down, it begins to sink in: your father means to sell you off to the highest bidder, and there's nothing you can do about it.

Another serving girl comes by, and you recognize her as Clarise. She hands you another glass, giving you a look of pity. You accept the wine gratefully, knocking it back before taking another.

"Steady, My Lady," she says kindly. "The evening has just begun."

You spend the rest of the night by your father's side, meeting the rest of the suitors. You don't remember anyone's name, nor what gifts they have brought you. At one point, you fear that you're seeing triple... Until you realize it's just the triplet dukes from the Fiefdom of Chikna.

Looking around, it's clear that hours of drinking have lowered the guests' inhibitions. Girls are being kissed, fondled, and fucked in every corner of the ballroom. The serving girls are all naked, sitting in laps or kneeling beneath tables as they give head to noblemen. Some of them you don't recognize; they must be whores from local brothels, brought in to provide additional "entertainment." Every so often, one will leave the hall arm-in-arm with a guest... Generally with her hand on his cock, or his fingers in one of her holes.

You were never allowed to join any of your father's grown-up parties before... Is this what they're always like?

As your eyes search the room, you find that the company from Lund is nowhere to be seen: a mixed blessing, as their Prince is easy enough on the eyes. You spot your father sucking on Clarise's breasts while some whore sucks his cock. That girl being fucked in turn by your father's best friend, Edwin.

Soon enough, the room begins to spin; you've had far too much wine, and not nearly enough food. Rising unsteadily to your feet, you stagger out into the gardens for some fresh air.

The cool air makes you feel much better, and you begin to put some distance between yourself and the party. You spot a few couples fucking on the benches, and hear more moaning behind a nearby hedgerow... But you soon leave them behind, sitting by the fountain at the end of the garden.

From all the way out here, the sounds of music and merrymaking are faint... It's nearly silent, up until the moment you hear a voice from just behind you.

"Not one for large crowds, I see." As you bolt upright, a man approaches and sits down beside you. "Sorry if I frightened you. It's only me... General Adrian? Our father introduced us earlier.

"I remember you, of course," you say, feeling more annoyed than scared.

"I know your father has already decided to betroth you to the King of Lund... Nevertheless, I would be grateful if I could spend some time with you this week." He moves a little closer to you. "...And I did promise to teach you how to handle my sword."