Day: 1231

Days Left: 4249

Lives Saved: 6

Queen Corinna IX stared at the seventy photos of all of the marriage candidates that had attended the party; all spread out on the table.

"Oh, isn't this fun!" squealed Duchess Sophia Vipond, giggling as she pointed at the princes she found particularly awful. "Which ones should we keep- I mean, which ones does Your Majesty believe would be suitable to move forward to the next round."

"Next round? How many will there be?" asked the queen tiredly, hoping it would not be some long, drawn-out competition.

"As long as it takes for Your Majesty to decide," answered Councillor Triggs. "We must not rush this process, as one of these photos will be the future King Consort."

"And your baby daddy," added Sophia, shaking her head at the photo of Prince Viggo, who had attempted to impress with his piano skills and his pride squashed by the queen's photographic memory. "Oh, do you think he'll still want to marry you?" Sophia laughed.

There was a slight twinge in Cori's stomach. She regretted embarrassing the prince, creating a mockery of his whole life's passion. Though, in the moment, she had enjoyed destroying that annoying arrogance of his, there was perhaps a more tactful method of doing so. Or maybe she could have just not chosen him for the next round of candidates.

"Prince Viggo is from a country of little consequence," said Councillor Triggs. "It is on the other side of the globe; we have little gain from an alliance. Everything they export, we already have contacts, nor are their allies particularly strong."

"Goodbye, dear Prince Viggo," sang Sophia, tossing the photo aside.

Cori decided from then on to make a more vocal effort in narrowing down the candidates; otherwise, Sophia and Triggs would beat her to it.

They discarded a few more photos of candidates that left little to no impression or were from countries and bloodlines of no consequence, according to Triggs' counsel, and then kept the ones that a marriage alliance would be incredibly beneficial.

Outside the drawing room, they could hear the clashing of swords and muffled bickering; Prince Fiorenzo and Princess Natasa had been duelling almost every day with no winner yet determined as they continued to even the scores. Both appeared oblivious that they were trespassing into forbidden parts of the castle for guests, but the queen had deemed them both harmless.

"Are those two still fighting!" grumbled Councillor Triggs, shaking her head in disapproval. "Your Majesty, we can order them to desist-"

"No, no!" objected Sophia. "Let them continue! After so many days, we have to know the victor!" She added aside to her cousin, the queen, "and who has the better stamina, yes?" She giggled, glancing at a photo and immediately throwing it over her shoulder. "Definitely not!"

"Not that one," said the queen. Then, with a wave of her hand, the photo was enveloped in a shining blue light and flew back onto the table.

"Really! You want to keep him!" Sophia shook her head in disapproval. "He got all snappy when I tried to ask him questions."

"I agree, Your Majesty," said Councillor Triggs hesitantly. "His magical bloodline... it is rather thin. I looked more into his family, and he was telling the truth that some of his relatives are non-mages."

"Why would you want to move him into the next round!" scoffed Sophia.

Cori stared at the photo of Prince Elis, at the white and green mask of leaves. Then, she recalled Rhea's advice to choose someone with whom she could be friends or, at the very least, possess the qualities she would want in her children. The queen was unsure yet which advice to take, to go for a magically powerful partner, political connections, or a friend... but she did not have to decide yet.

"Prince Elis was honest," Cori eventually answered.

"Honest that he has nothing going for him," said Sophia, looking at more photos. "Besides, why do you need your man to be honest? Your Majesty can read minds!" She shrugged. "If they are lying, you would know straight away! If I had your gifts, I would constantly read everyone's mind and know their secrets! But, sadly, it takes me several minutes to even attempt, not a snap of your fingers in an instant like Your Majesty."

Cori, and perhaps the rest of the world, was relieved that the magical bloodline powers of mind manipulation skipped Sophia, for that would indeed be a danger to all of existence.

Councillor Triggs cleared her throat. "I think Your Majesty's judgement is correct. To read any of these candidates' minds would be a breach of trust and may be perceived as an act of war."

"Ah, war," Sophia sighed. "I suppose we do not want that."

"Yes, so I suggest we keep these candidates for the next round." Triggs neatly scooped up a small pile of photos. "To discard them would be a massive insult. Even if Your Majesty has no designs of marrying any of them, we must save them some face and have them appear to be a considered choice. Especially these two..." She pointed to the photos of Prince Fiorenzo and Princess Natasa; their duel could still be heard outside. "They are from opposing countries that have a long history of war. To side with either country could be considered an act of war on the other. So we must try to appease both and keep them until the last round."

"Yes, I agree," said Sophia. "Though wouldn't it be funny after such a long duel, Your Majesty just dismisses them both straight away!"

Triggs forced a smile, but inside feared for when she would have to advise Duchess Vipond on marriage candidates in the future. The Duchess might start a war on a whim because she spurred the wrong prince.

After more debate, the candidates were narrowed down to thirty, more than the queen had expected, wanting it to be less so that this ordeal would all be over, but she endured, knowing that choosing her future partner could decide the fate of the country.

Roughly 300 Years Ago

Another week and another lesson, Calixte waited in the ballroom for Queen Violette to arrive. It was hard to tell that there had been a party not only a few days ago in here, not a trace of it ever existing.

When Queen Violette finally arrived, they completed the usual formalities and began practising the new scales and pieces the queen had chosen for her grade two piano exam. As always, she was note-perfect, and Calixte was starting to think these lessons were pointless. However, Queen Violette insisted on having the same amount of lessons every other student had to prepare for the grade exams instead of sitting it earlier, as Calixte suggested.

Whilst Calixte was proud of his student's progress and determination to be the best for the exam, it left him not much to do in the hour-long lessons. So, instead, he filled the time with duets and taught her pieces that were not part of the exam, which Calixte suggested that the queen could perform to others one day or perhaps play for herself just for fun.

Once the hour was up and Calixte gave a summary of his feedback, he began packing up the music books; however, Queen Violette remained seated at the piano.

Sucking in a quick breath, the queen turned to Calixte and said, "I have started writing poetry again."

"Well, that is great, Your Majesty!" replied Calixte. "I am glad that you have rekindled your passion for poetry."

"You are to thank, Barbeau. The ball inspired me, and I could not stop writing after. It was as if I finally knew what words to use."

Calixte frowned in confusion. He inspired her? How? By his music?

"I am still drafting it," Violette paused in hesitation. "But I would like to read a section to you, and I would like to hear your response."

"Gladly, Your Majesty." Calixte nodded. "Though I am afraid that I am not versed in poetry, my feedback will be limited."

Violette retrieved a small notebook from a concealed pocket in her gown, then opened it to a specific page. As she did, Calixte noticed that the majority of the notebook was filled with writing and drafts of numerous poems in the works.

After straightening her back, sitting even more upright in her seat, Violette began to read out the first stanza of her poem:

This feeling everyone else seems to know

I always hoped one day, I would understand

But lately, this unknown ache inside continues to grow

And I knew what it was when you took my hand

Once she finished, Violette looked expectantly at Calixte.

"Ah, I see now." Calixte nodded. "You used the title from the song I sang at your anniversary party."

He had wondered what the queen meant when she said he had inspired her to write; it was merely a song title that she incorporated into her poem. Although, now that Calixte thought about it, Violette's poem seemed to be almost a continuation of the song, a response perhaps.

"It sounds like a great start." Calixte nodded. "And I look forward to hearing the rest."

The queen seemed to stare at Calixte for what seemed like an eternity, and with that white and purple mask of hers covering her face, Calixte could not for the life of him figure out what the queen was thinking; it was like she was expecting something, waiting, but for what?

Perhaps she wanted Calixte to compliment her poem more, but what else could you say about a meagre four lines?

Just as Calixte prepared to say more praise, the queen thanked him for the lesson and left the music room.

Day: 1232

Fortunately, Queen Corinna did not have to personally inform the marriage candidates that did not make it to the next 'round'; instead, Councillor Triggs made the visits. The princes, high-ranking nobles, and wealthy merchants were not angered to be rejected, or at least on the surface. On the contrary, they sent their regards to the queen, gifting her more compliments and wishes, perhaps as an attempt to still gain some amiable connection with the country, taking it in turns to bow before Queen Corinna and express their gratitude for the invite and hospitality. However, one failed candidate did not attend this farewell, and that was Prince Viggo, who did not stay the night at the castle, having packed his bags and left the evening of the party. Cori's stomach churned with even more guilt. She had gone too far in humiliating the prince, especially since he had done so much work composing such a complicated piece of music. She had wanted to humble him, curb his arrogance, and in doing so, her arrogance destroyed Viggo's one passion in life.

Sophia, however, thought it all the more amusing, occasionally cackling as she brought up how quickly the slighted prince had left; meanwhile, Councillor Triggs fretted that Prince Viggo's country might denounce them, or worse, go to war for war has been announced for far less in the past.

Wanting not to let her guilt and arrogance control her again, Queen Corinna concentrated on appeasing both the failed and successful marriage candidates, ensuring that no one felt threatened or slighted. Not only was this event to choose her husband but also to make stronger connections with other countries.

After all of the rejected candidates left the castle, the successful ones were invited into the throne room one by one to have a personal one-on-one with the queen. Cori did not understand the need for this as she had already talked to everyone at the party. Still, Sophia and Triggs insisted that a second time of conversation was necessary.

However, most said the same thing as they did at the party, with more confidence. Others expanded in more detail on the benefits of an alliance between their two countries, and a few brought along relatives or servants to provide character witnesses which were either endearing or awkward for everyone involved.

All the princes brought presents, nervously passing them over and rightfully so, as it appeared that Queen Corinna's likes and hobbies were a mystery and thus challenging to research beforehand. Instead, she was gifted ornate hair accessories, jewels, gowns, and rings, such beautiful and expensive objects that her sister Princes Alfreda would much love. Cori remembered when potential suitors would visit Alfreda and gift her similar things to obtain her hand, and it seemed that everyone thought the two sisters would have the same taste. They assumed wrong. Regardless, Cori feigned gratitude and interest in the objects to the best of her ability, but she had never been so skilled in showing enthusiasm. Fortunately, Sophia was enthusiastic for both of them, fawning over the gifts and declaring how envious she was, attempting to flirt with the candidates in hopes they would spoil her too. It was likely that these gifts would all go to Sophia anyway, as Cori would not know what to do with them, though a few of the gowns interested her.

"Is that everyone?" asked Sophia as she rifled through the presents, gasping as she admired her reflection in a ruby the size of her fist. "No more gifts?"

Councillor Triggs frowned as she scanned her list of candidates. "There's three left..." She asked a royal guard to check the hallway, but no one else was waiting outside.

"Who are the three who have yet to attend?" asked Cori, already knowing the three as she had memorised the list.

"Prince Fiorenzo, Princess Natasa..." Triggs checked her notes, attempting to find the last one. "And Prince Elis."

"Are those two still fighting?" groaned Sophia, no longer finding their duels of interest. "I heard from my handmaiden that there still isn't a victor!"

"Yes, we did try to inform them both that they had moved to the next round, but they were so engrossed in fighting, I do not think either was listening," said Triggs. "As for Prince Elis, no one could find him. His servant says he likes to 'wander'."

And climb and trespass, thought Cori, wondering if Prince Elis had trespassed into the library again.

"Well, Your Majesty," began Triggs. "Should we reject these three as they did not appear on time? Or should we wait a little longer? Perhaps we should pass Prince Fiorenzo and Princess Natasa regardless since their countries' military strength-"

"We shall wait," answered Cori. "We do not know yet if their tardiness is for a good reason."

"Oh, my!" gasped Triggs. "What if the duel has taken a serious turn? You do not think one of them is hurt!"

Sophia gasped too, but not in horror but instead excitement. "We should find out! What if they killed each other? They must be so in love with you, dear cousin! To fight to the death to win your hand!"

Cori hoped to the ends of the earth that Sophia's fantasy was not true. "Send out some guards to locate the three," she ordered. "In case anything unfortunate has occurred for them to be absent."

*

"What are we going to do!" Fiorenzo fretted, pacing around frantically.

"Do not worry," Elis sighed. "She will be fine."

"How do you know! Look at its wings!" exclaimed Natasa.

The three stared down at the injured bluebird, its left wing crooked and bent and the tips of the feathers slightly black.

"Is it going to die!" Fiorenzo grabbed Elis in fear.

"It cannot fly; it will starve without the ability to hunt," said Natasa.

"Do not worry," Elis repeated with an even more exaggerated sigh. He scooped up the injured bluebird, and it quivered and chirped weakly in his gloved hands. "I've treated birds before. With a bit of magic and bed-rest, she'll-"

However, Fiorenzo and Natasa were not listening and instead were fretting about all the work needed to take care of one little bird, scared that without enough attention, the bluebird would die, and how they had to devote their lives to it now.

"Okay, so I am going to make the recommendation that neither of you becomes a parent," said Elis. "We need to find some container, a basket or a crate and stuff it with blankets or hay to keep the bird warm. And then we feed her daily. I can treat her injury; I need to research bluebirds more. The birds here have quite a different anatomy to the ones native to my country-"

"It's all my fault!" cried Natasa, turning to Fiorenzo. "I did this! I shouldn't have thrown that fireball at you!"

"No, I shouldn't have dodged!" said Fiorenzo. "I should have realised there was a bird behind me- and I was the one who started using magic. We should have kept it strictly swords!"

"Let's go find the bird a bed," said Elis, walking away with the bluebird cradled to his chest. "Come on," he said, but Fiorenzo and Natasa were too occupied arguing over whose fault it was that the bird was injured.

With careful steps, Prince Elis navigated his way down the slope of the castle roof and then froze as he saw a group of people on the ground looking up at him.

"Uh oh..." he gulped.

Prince Fiorenzo and Princess Natasa peered over and froze too.

There, having watched the whole spectacle, was Queen Corinna and there by her side was Duchess Sophia, Councillor Triggs, and a pack of royal guards.

Guiltily, Elis, Fiorenzo, and Natasa climbed their way down from the castle roof and to the ground, all three of their heads bowed deeply in apology.

There was a long silence until Queen Corinna finally asked, "what were you all doing on the roof?" Her voice was quiet and one-note, yet it was difficult to discern if there was any anger in it.

"We apologise greatly, Your Majesty!" Princess Natasa knelt on one knee. "We found an injured bird."

"Yes, We apologise, Your Majesty!" Prince Fiorenzo also knelt. "We should not have been on the roof!"

Prince Elis remained silent and standing, still carrying the bluebird in his arms. When the bird squirmed in pain, he gently caressed it, soothing its discomfort.

"What were you doing on the roof?" the queen asked again. "How did you know that there was an injured bird on there, to begin with?"

Fiorenzo and Natasa looked at each other in hesitation.

"We were duelling," answered Fiorezno.

"And we somehow ended up on the roof," added Natasa.

The queen turned to Elis.

"Reading," he eventually replied.

Sophia and Triggs muttered in confusion, but the queen was not surprised due to how she had first met the prince.

"Ah, yes, you forgot your book up there," said Fiorenzo, motioning to the leatherbound book he was carrying.

Queen Corinna recognised the children's fairytale book, having a copy in the royal library. Was it her copy? Her eyes narrowed.

After another moment of silence, Councillor Triggs cleared her throat. "Your highnesses were late to your meetings."

Fiorenzo and Natasa bowed even lower, almost competing with one another, and apologised once again; meanwhile, Elis continued to stand in silence with the injured bluebird.

"We apologise for slighting Your Majesty," said Fiorenzo. "We beg forgiveness and hope it is not too late for our meetings."

"That will not be necessary," said Queen Corinna. She then said to Triggs, "have all three moved to the next round."

Fiorenzo and Natasa were dumbfounded and thanked the queen repeatedly after a delayed response. However, Prince Elis was still silent, his expression hidden underneath his mask.

The queen glanced at the injured bluebird in his arms; a few specks of blood had stained his clothes. "And ensure that this bluebird receives proper medical attention."