Delphi

Persephone wasn’t sure how long she sat there staring at the three men in disbelief, letting the words try to make sense in her head.

She took a few breaths, “I...I apologize, I fear that I misheard you.”

“You did not mishear a thing, Princess. Since your parents’ deaths, we have been going through the old records of the Kingdom. There has never been a Queen who ruled on her own.” Sir Henry said.

“Right. Which is why I will be the first.” Persephone said.

“Unfortunately there are laws in place that prevent this from happening.” Sir Gregory said, without any remorse in his voice.

Persephone’s heart started to hammer in her chest, “But my father put it in his will that I will be Queen.”

“And you will, under the new King.” Sir Reginald said.

It was then that everything started to make sense, “You’re saying...what you’re saying is that I must marry a man.” She said mostly to herself.

“That is correct, yes.”

Persephone shook her head, “No. No, the Kingdom of Helianthus has been ruled by a Sol for centuries, you cannot change that.”

“It is true, we cannot change that. You will rule, but not on your own.” Sir Henry said.

“But if I marry, all of the power would go to my husband.” Persephone said.

“As it should be. Honestly, you really expected us to hand over the power to a woman? It’s never been done and never will.” Sir Gregory said.

It took everything in Persephone to not jump across the desk and murder them. Instead she stood up and started to pace a little, “Why would my father promise me the Kingdom if it was not to be?”

“The Kingdom has never run into this predicament before. All of the first born have been male. He most likely didn’t even know about this law.” Sir Reginald said.

“May I see it?” The Princess said.

The Royal Advisor opened the book in front of him, sliding it across the table, “The third paragraph down.”

Persephone picked up the ancient book in her shaky hands and let her eyes travel to the paragraph in question. There it was in black and white:

The Kingdom of Helianthus will henceforth be ruled by the honorable and noble Sol family. The firstborn descendant at twenty-one years of age will assume the throne from their father. If the first born is female, the throne would go to the next male descendant. However, if there are no male descendants, the female descendant shall marry and her spouse would assume the throne and the rule of the Kingdom. If the King perishes before a male heir is born, the Queen will marry a second time and the new spouse would assume the throne. If by some twist of fate, the Queen is widowed thrice and there are no male heirs, the Queen would inherit the throne and the rule of the Kingdom of Helianthus.

Persephone had to read the passage three times before the meaning of these words came to her. She was to be the Queen in title alone. She had no power, no control. She was going to be forced to marry.

She dropped the book back onto the table, feeling defeated, “This isn’t right.” She said quietly.

The three advisors started to gather up their things, “Now you must choose a husband. We will return in a week to approve of the match and a wedding will follow soon after. We wish you luck in your search, Princess. We know you will make the right choice.” Sir Reginald said as him and the other advisors bowed and made their way out the door.

It wasn’t until Albert came in and asked if she was alright that Persephone realized she was gripping the back of the chair, nails digging into the white cushion. She slowly relaxed her hands and turned, leaving the room without a word.