To the ball

With the thought of finding a wife out of your head, for the first month of your reign, you put all your resolve into learning how to rule. You have landed as king by default, through chance of birth, and tragic **** alone. Due to your order of birth, you have been raised learning about the immortal realm, not the mortal one. Meaning that one day you were as much prepared for the role that was thrust on you, and the nobility had as much faith in you to successfully take that role as any other person who once randomly graced the halls of the palace.

You **** yourself to read every word of every document that passed your desk, memorized every rule and exception, drilled yourself on the names and allegiances of every major and minor noble in the realm, out of pure survival need. Because you know all too well that one misstep could lead the nobility to turn against you.

Through tireless effort, you have gained the grudging confidence of at least half of your nobles, while maintaining a posture of a firm stance toward your bordering countries.

This, however, does not mean all is good. Your scouts and spies (at least the spies you think you can trust) have reported several of your nobles making secret meetings, and your neighbors organizing troop movements on your border. But all that is to be expected when the line of succession for the king is decimated.

On the first full moon of the month, Sir Dietrich approaches you in your study as you review the report on the country’s treasury. "Sire,” you look from the parchment as he bows to you, “the guests to your ball have arrived, and now is the time to greet them."

You growl, “If I must,” as you roll up and put away the document before standing.

With expert formal dignity, he guides you through the candlelit, echoing halls toward the ballroom.

Your approach is ceremonial, but not grand in a way that would make it seem unnecessary. Many of your nobles insisted on a much grander approach, one that would leave everyone in awe, but you managed to convince them to tone it down. It was just your interruption, and you still had the full ball, which is costing your country far too much in your opinion, considering the state of the country’s finances after many countries’ preparatory stand in trading since the **** of your father.

You pause that the threshold behind the sheet that blocks your presents from the guest as you rehearse the lines of etiquette in your mind, knowing all to well this is the first time you will be introduce as the King of this nation to the outside word and if you stumble here, you will start your rule being know as a weak failure of a king. One that could be easily taken advantages off. Kings have been ‘replaced’ due to less.

The guests have divided themselves into three groups. First, there are the people from the country to the north, consisting of 2 nobles, each bringing one daughter and their king, Sir Richard, who brought his youngest daughters, who happen to be twins. Their coming-of-age party would still be the biggest news of the year if it hadn't happened three days before the **** of your brother.

Then there were the people from the country to the south. Consisting of 2 Nobles bringing two of their daughters, and their king, King Thomas, who brought all three of his daughters. The southern country was deeply indebted to your country, so it is clear that they are trying to win your good graces.

The largest party consisted of your own nobles. Seven families total, each brings their unwed daughters, completing a sum of 11 candidates. The competition for their king's hand is fierce, indeed.

Sir Dietrich stepped forward, "My fellow nobles, it's my pleasure to present to you, my king and your host." He bows as trumpets announce your arrival. Once you take your place at the top of the stairs leading to the ballroom, Dietrich continues his speech. "My ladies, if you would please enter the ballroom and begin enjoying yourself, your guardians and I have some business to attend to." You kiss each of the twenty potential candidate's hands as they pass by you. Once they have exited the passageway, Sir Dietrich masterfully continues to speak with the most elegance and style." Due to the unfortunate and pressing circumstances that have brought this about, it will not be your typical courting event. The king will bed each of the willing candidates, and the first one to produce and strong healthy heir will become queen. For the honor of our king and to prevent every other candidates from becoming burdened by the fruits of their wombs, the rest shall be taken under our care, being disqualified from the succession unless the heir apparent dies. If you do not think your candidate can promptly produce a valid heir, we strongly suggest that you enjoy the party for the next hour and then take your daughter to the room we provided. We will hold no ill will against you. In fact, We will provide compensation for your travels. If you wish to present your candidate, please see yourself to your room and leave your candidate to enjoy the party for the rest of the night. Anyone left after the hour will be viewed as a full candidate." With that he pulls you out of the room, giving your guests time to think about this weighty proposal.