Chapter 3: The first contest

Queen Mia drew a long breath. Alas, it was time to face the ten gentlemen who had travelled to this land, with a clear purpose of trying to woo her hand in marriage.

Unfortunately, their intentions were probably not as straightforward as love itself. For some, it may be a clear rise in status, for others it might mean aid and stability to their country.

Queen Mia sighed. Even for herself, she could not be so naive to believe that love alone can conquer all. However, she did not need a man to run her country. Neither did she need a man to fulfil her purpose as Queen. Should she remain single, she had made plans to adopt a child to be the future king or queen. She was self sufficient and independent.

Yet a man would be nice. A man she could love, and a man that would love her back the same. Somebody who would share her dreams and her fears. Somebody who would expend all her restlessness of her solitude. Somebody who would make her realise the passion she never thought she had.

Perhaps she was thinking too much. It was hard to believe how genuine her suitors were actually, given the circumstances. Nevertheless, it was probably worth the effort. Finding love was always worth the effort.

Queen Mia chose a red gown with incredibly elaborate detail. The colour of the gown made her seem even fairer. She was going to be the centre of attention today and it was necessary to make the extra effort to be so. She carefully combed her crimson red hair. She did not want Emily around now because she needed this time alone, in solitude and silence.

She glanced at her reflection in the mirror, staring into the fair beauty with blue glazed eyes. She imagined her beauty like a flower, blooming now, only to wither later. She wished she had more time to love, for she had yet to love.

Queen Mia then entered the hallway. Her presence was quickly announced and she made her way to her throne. She saw ten men at least five feet away from her, lining up in a neat line. Most of them were fairly tall, well built and well dressed.

Some of them had that beam on their face, the look of assurance and confidence, others looked a little anxious.

"Thank you all for coming here. Without further ado, we shall embark on the first round of competition. As you have already been briefed, there would be five rounds of competition. Yes, some of you might be asked to leave after each round as I would not like to waste your precious time. At the end of the fifth round, I would make my choice, a husband among the ten gentlemen."

Queen Mia heard her own voice loud and clear. She could hear her heart even better. It was racing!

"The first round of competition requires you to find or create an object that you think best depicts me, Queen Mia. Best of luck suitors. I will see all of your again in three days."