It could have only been you.

Marguerite Pierce


King Everett Lockwood




King Oliver McKinnon


Arabeth Mowbray

On a colossal, elaborate throne sat King Oliver McKinnon as he surveyed the twenty maidens before him with his intense, forest green eyes. He had reached the age of twenty-five and felt that it was time to find the most intelligent and beautiful woman to rule Wescardine by his side. He was indeed a handsome man with a head full of thick and wavy blonde locks and a strong, broad frame. He stood at a height of six feet four inches, which was rather unusual in his time. After nearly five minutes of inspecting all the young women from his throne, he rose to his feet and walked along the line, telling them, "You are all lovely, there is no doubt about that. But I need more than simply beauty in my future wife. You will need to exhibit your intelligence and talents to me if you are to be chosen as a contender. I look forward to knowing you all better." He give the women his notorious charming smile, the kind that would make most swoon.
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Marguerite could not believe she was standing in the throne room of Everett Lockwood, King of Darkmount. Honestly, she didn't want to be there, but she fit the qualities the king was looking for in a wife and she had no choice but to go. After days of being prepared to stand before the king, there she was, doing just that. She did her best to keep her nerves at bay and just stand there silently until she was spoken to. She glanced at the other girls near her, some of which seemed elated to be there, others were angry or hysterical, and then there were others like her that attempted to look calm and collected but there was that undertone of anxiousness.

@ acrossleuniverse
Arabeth stood among the crowd of girls in the most elaborate of gowns after having been primed and pressed into perfection until every blemish was gone. She stood there in the most simple gown she could find but seeing as no on knew her yet they didn't trust her to pick out her own clothing. Arabeth had only been here for a week in the anointing palace rooms. Now she stood before the king as he told them that their beauty was not enough to impress him. She smiled softly glad her king was not as dumb as some of her fellow country mean and women might think. She grew up in a world were woman were not respected but here she had to opportunity to be the most respected and valued woman in all of the reign, she had a chance to be the queen. Arabeth looked at him as he smiled. And it was a beautiful sight but his heart was not in it. Arabeth wasn't fazed by the sight nearly as much as he would have expected and she knew the arrogance of her king was nearly as much as had been rumored. She curtsied then made her way out of the room like everyone else. She walked down the halls silently hearing whispering and giggling. But she didn't care. No she wanted to return home to her father. His words still rung in her ears. Do the best you can Beth. Promise me you will do your best. Arabeth returned to the room she was given and with the help of assistances was helped out of the ridiculous dress. She slipped into something light and practical. Still it was a beautiful gown and Arabeth had never felt more blessed in materials. She then moved out to the garden were the instructor stood waiting for the girls so his lessons could begin. there was much to learn and the trails would begin all to soon.

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Everett walked down the line of women and stopped to look at each watching their reactions. He was amazed that there were so many. He had made his team only select the best of the best and yet there was still twenty. How was he suppose to choose from that many. He looked over one girl and found himself lost in her eyes. He frowned and then turned to another. Soon he spoke. "I am quite pleased with your presence my ladies but please do not get me wrong when I tell you that this will not be easy. The road to the crown and to my hand will be hard and will test your character in ways you never could have imagined. My country is important to me like nothing else. You have less than a year to impress me. And to those of you who do not wish to be here I understand but I beg of you to give me as much of a chance as I am giving you. The opportunities that this honor could bring to you are endless. A year is so little time in the aspect of your life and home visits will be granted to those who present their case well. I am a reasonable man and I wish to only select the best woman for the job that is to rule this blessed country beside me. Please enjoy your stay. The work begins tomorrow." he said and returned to his throne waving to the doorman and the instructor to usher the girls out as he sat down looking worn out already.