Chapter One.
After months of turmoil, with the threat of the return of Unseelie Heir, Shadowmere has finally started to return to its once peaceful, thriving realm.
The whispers of an Unseelie Heir have stopped. Those who supported his rebellion were rounded up and put to death for treason.
As winter has melted away and the warm weather starts to sprout, King Oberon and his top advisors gathered to discuss ways to raise morale throughout the realm.
“We are already scheduled to host our regular seasonal events, Your Grace,” an advisor said.
“We need something more than our usual events,” Oberon shouted, as he left the table and started pacing the room. “Our people need more than a party. They need hope.”
King Oberon stopped in front of The Chalice of Fate, and traced its rim with this finger.
“How about a wedding, Your Grace?” Willow, the king’s right hand suggested.
Oberon turned and looked at her. “A wedding?”
“A wedding. A wedding will give the realm a reason to celebrate, and restore hope in the royal family.”
“And who might I ask, will be getting married?”
“Prince Caraway, of course,” Willow stated.
Oberon smiled wide as he squealed in delight, “excellent!”
Chapter Two
King Oberon didn’t wait to tell his son of his plans to find him a wife. When his meeting with his advisor was over he marched straight to his son’s wing of the castle.
Prince Caraway was in his court yard training with his captain of the guard. As Oberon approached he shouted, “stop. Stop. Stop.”
Caraway, puzzled by his father’s odd intrusion, put down his sword and turned to his father. “Father, what brings you to my practice?"
“Caraway my son, it is time that you found a wife.”
“A wife?”
“Yes. As heir to my throne, it is time that you take a wife, and strengthen our family’s line. While giving our people a reason to celebrate.”
“But father-”
“No buts. This is not up for discussion. You are the heir to the throne of Shadowmere, and my first born son. You will find a wife by the Yuletide Ball, and that is final.”
King Oberon didn’t wait for his son to reply. He simply turned on his heel, and walked out of the courtyard.
Chapter Three
Prince Caraway sat on the bench in his room that was closest to the window. He kept replaying his father’s words in his head. It is time that you found a wife.
Caraway tried to be excited for this change. He knew this day would come. It was a part of his princely duties to marry. But as hard as he tried he couldn’t help but be disappointed.
He had hoped that when he would marry it would not be just for duty, but for love.
As he looked out the window at the night sky his eyes landed on the brightest star, and he wished that he would meet the woman of his dreams.
Chapter Four
Attention Merry Citizens of Shadowmere:
Our dear King Oberon, has announced that his son and heir to the throne, Prince Caraway, is ready to take a wife. The King and Queen of Shadowmere would like to officially invite all of the eligible maidens of the realm, no matter their rank, to attend the upcoming Spring Ball, and present themselves to the prince.
As is tradition in the realm, at the ball the Prince will choose six women that he will court from now into the Yuletide Ball. Throughout the season the women will compete for the Prince's love and affection, proving why they should be the princess and future queen of Shadowmere. Prince Caraway will eliminate any woman he no longer feels attached to, and will announce his bride at the Yuletide Ball.
Goodluck, maidens. May the Gods bless Prince Caraway with his one true mate.
Chapter Five
King Oberon ate dinner with his wife, Queen Nissa. A loud boom shook their dining table, as the door to the room slammed against the wall.
To their surprise their son, Caraway stood in the doorway.
“Father, mother,” he bowed. “What is this I hear that I am to host a competition to find my bride?” Anger radiated off of him.
“It is tradition, Caraway,” said Queen Nissa.
“A tradition that hasn’t been followed for centuries and centuries. You said I needed to find a wife, you didn’t say anything about it being a spectacle!”
“Don’t raise your voice at me,” Oberon snarled. “I am not just your father, I am your king, and you will show me some respect.” Oberon let out a sigh. “The people need this Caraway. They need something to look forward to after such dark days.”
“So, I am just a pawn in your political game?”
“If that is the way you want to see it, then so be it. I choose to see it as an opportunity for my son to meet every eligible woman in the realm.” Oberon continued, “you will pick six women to court at the Spring Ball, or I will pick for you.” Oberon returned his gaze back to his food and resumed his dinner.
Caraway clenched his jaw so tightly it hurt, before he turned and left the room slamming the door as he left.
Chapter Six
Days until the Spring Ball and the realm is buzzing with excitement. The young, attractive, prince of Shadowmere will be searching for his bride.
Young, eligible ladies from all over the realm have traveled far and wide to come and try to woo the prince.
Citizens of Shadowmere, young and old, are excited to watch their beloved prince find love.
Chapter Seven
Prince Caraway sat on his throne at the Spring Ball as each eligible maid in the realm was presented to him. Fae females from far and wide came to the Spring Ball just to get a chance to be a princess.
The announcer called maiden after maiden. They would bow before him, exchange a few words, laugh, and smile before carrying on their way.
“Announcing Flora from Eysea,” Caraway heard the announcer shout. Caraway watched as a young maiden, in an off-season dress, walked towards him. As she went to bow, she tripped and fell forward. Caraway lunged for her and caught her before she hit the ground.
“Are you okay?” the prince asked.
“For gods' sake!” she cried out. Her language shocked the prince. “These shoes are too big, but I couldn’t afford a pair this nice.” Her cheeks turned red. “I shouldn’t have said that. Forgive me, your majesty.”
A soft laugh left Caraway’s lips. “There is nothing to forgive.” The pair chatted for a few more minutes before Flora left and another maiden was announced.
