The Beginning of Spring {Part 2}

She sat on her throne, listening as a gentle rain fell, echoing in the tall hall that was the throne room. The windows normally drew in swaths of light, but today it dulled and all of the candles were lit to provide light for the assembling group of people.

Before her stood a long winding road of people standing in groups of two. On the right of the pair stood a duke, advisor, or upper tier royal. In total, 24 of 86 top tier royals had decided to throw their hat in the ring and bring an elected, and each one stood before her making their introductions.

It would begin with a bow, or curtsey, and the elected's host greeting Anastasia. They would then proceed to introduce their candidate, who would say a few words and then move on. In order to get through each candidate in a timely manner, they kept their introductions brief. This was simply a time to understand who had chosen which candidate, and get an initial sorting of the candidates out of the way. Any socializing Anastasia had with the candidates would come later, at the balls, tea parties, and various other activities planed for the season.

Thus far, the selection of candidates was thoroughly unamusing. Several duke's proposed a son or nephew for marriage. The 3rd prince from a much smaller kingdom was Lord Lylie's attempt at a match, and highest ranking official to be offered thus far was a Duke from another kingdom. Overall, she was highly unamused and worried that this season was already a bust.

However, the next person in line seemed somewhat promising not for political reasons, but emotional ones. Duke Gile stepped forward with a young man at his side. The Duke bowed first, stooping low as he did so. "Good Morning your Majesty." His voice was gruffer with the accent found more so in the southern provinces of her kingdom.

"Good Morning Duke Gile," Anastasia returned his greeting with a bright smile. Duke Gile had been a close friend of her father's and had risen in the ranks due to his kind heart and numerous accolades bestowed to him. She cared fondly for the man, and knew whoever he presented her with would be decent at the very least.

She turned to the young man beside him. He was slightly taller than the Duke, most defiantly thinner and had a youthful charm to him. At the same time, it was obvious he had been cultured as he held his head high, and his shoulder straight.

"Your majesty, this is my son, Lord Henry of Penel."

The man now took his turn to bow, as was custom, but was careful to catch the Queen's eye as he rose. Perhaps it was this action that immediately set him apart from the rest. Not many of the candidates had looked her in the eye. Scratch that, none of the candidates thus far had tried to look her in the eye.

"Good morning your Majesty." he spoke for the first time, eliciting a smile from you.

"Good morning Lord Henry."

"Thank you for this opportunity." It was said, almost shyly, so different then the confidence he exhibited before.

"But of course. It is my honor to host the fine people of Karthia"

"And it is my honor to be one of the Queen's loyal subjects."

His words were punctured with another bow as both he and his father were directed to the side. Anastasia hated to admit it, but respect was one of her weaknesses. Lord Henry had just shown her more respect in this one conversation, than the majority of her court did in an entire spring season. What a sad thought.

However, the thought could not persist as the next candidate was ushered forward. He was trouble. Anastasia had to look no farther than the unbuttoned top of his shirt, to tell as much. The name Marquess Pierre seemed to confirm this. However the thought was only furthered when he boldly approached the throne holding a flower, and extended it to the queen.

"For you. I saw it, and could only think about how much more beautiful it would appear should it be nestled in your locks of auburn."

Baron Henson cleared his throat at his candidates obvious advances. Anastasia had no doubt that the Baron hoped the Marquess could woe Anastasia to appoint of gratitude, which would afford the Baron an excuse to grab a higher title, more land or money. Anastasia mentally told herself to be careful as she watched the pair walk away, just like all the rest.

Anastasia was now having trouble appearing equally interested in all the men that were presented to her. She was sure they each had their charm, but she didn't need charm. She needed a husband, a good and faithful one who would allow her to do what was best for her people. The line now dwindled to a few, and Anastasia felt relief as that realization dawned. Furthering that relief was the sight of Duke Phillip Vern.

He bowed deeply, uttering a practiced and measured, "Your Majesty" before rising. Anastasia smiled, authentically smiled, but let her expression drop when she noticed he stood before her alone. After a moment had passed she spoke.

"Duke Vern, has your candidate not shown" I ask in bemused wonder at the man before me. Normally, a gentlemen would simply sit out if he has nothing to show, but here Duke Vern stood tempting the words that brought a great shock to Anastasia.

"No, your majesty, my candidate is here."

"Then pray tell, who are they?" and more importantly, why have that not shown themselves yet.

"I purpose myself, Duke Vern as a candidate for her majesty's hand in marriage."

The hall hushed of any conversation that may have been happening. All eyes turned to the Duke, and me. The whispers began, and the most common question to grace the lips of those in the hall was, can he do that.

Anastasia already knew the answer. Yes, Duke Phillip Vern could technically nominate himself. Although it was considered taboo, there had been more than one royal in the past to nominate themselves. In fact, anyone could nominate a candidate for the queen to consider marrying. However, this was not wide spread knowledge as the odds of the queen falling in love, were slim.

In many ways, the Spring seasons that held included marriage candidates often turned into something akin to a farmers market. Each farmer, or rather duke, brought what they thought was most likely to catch the queen's eyes and at every chance they got, they tempted to sell of their item. However, Duke Vern was not attempting to sell an item, but rather himself.

"And why would the Duke so willingly offer himself?" I begged the question.

"I offer myself as a loyal subject, who wishes for nothing more than his queen's happiness."

There is was again. Duke Vern respected her. He always had, ever since they were children playing in the castle halls. He knew his place, and stayed there happily. That was why is was so odd he would nominate himself as a candidate. Had he been in need of more land or money? Did he think the only way he could get it was by marrying Anastasia. Something wasn't adding up, but she would have to wait until latter to find out what.

"And I wish nothing more than for my people's happiness."

"I am aware. We have a good queen."

He smiled and it made her heart flutter.

"Thank you your majesty." he bowed again, knowing better than to take up to much time. She hated to see him leave so soon. So she glanced away for a moment. She took a deep breath and tried to still her beating heart.

However, as soon as Anastasia saw the next candidate, she knew her heart would never still again.