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For Love Or Country

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Then...

Princess Aislinn, a 3rd daughter, finds herself unexpectedly Queen after both her sisters die in a terrible tragedy. Just one month later, she must decide if she will choose the next King and marry him within a year, or let her country vote for a King which would allow her to marry for love. If she doesn't make a decision before her Coronation in a week, she could lose the crown that has been in her family for more than 300 years. Can she see through all the meddling in her Court, and figure out her true feelings in order to make a decision?

Now...

Princess Kenzie has been waiting impatiently for her Coronation since her mother died two years ago. She's finally 18 and the crown is finally hers. Almost. First she has to decide whether she will choose the next King, or let it come to a vote. After what happened the last time the King line to the crown was open, her country created a Council to advise the Queen in exactly this situation. But is the Council helping or interfering with this decision? If only she could have been there when Princess Aislinn went through this, maybe knowing what the long-ago princess was thinking would help her decide...Should she marry for love, or country?

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One
Then - Aislinn I stand at the corner of the balcony, staring out across the water, the salt air crisp as it ruffles my hair. This is my favorite spot to come when I need to think. It's quiet, the view is great, and for me, the water is calming. Normally it helps, but tonight my mind and emotions are spinning everywhere and I can't quite settle into my role as host. We're having a ball in honor of King Liam and his new bride, and our continued alliance with their country, despite the tragedy last month. I am happy for Liam, truly. He deserves joy, especially after everything that happened. I lost my sisters, Merial and Keera, but he lost Keera, too. And he lost his father. My biggest problem tonight is that I feel like the only way this reality makes sense is if I'm just playing a part in a fictional world. How else could I be Queen of Smaragaid? I shouldn't be Queen of Smaragaid. It's Merial's title, it was never meant to be mine. Yet here I am, wearing her crown and hosting a ball like everything is normal. And speaking of the ball, I shouldn't be hosting this ball, or any other ball for that matter! But this ball? A ball that is in part to honor Liam and his new wife. His new wife who isn't Keera? This can't be reality. It's too much. If that weren't enough, one week from tonight, Smaragaid will celebrate my Coronation. For a crown I never wanted, and certainly never expected. Which also means that one week from tonight I have to announce whether I will select the new King, or let the people vote on a new King. If I choose the King, I have to marry him within a year, or forfeit my own Crown. If it weren't for that ridiculous rule, of course I'd select the new King. My life was so much easier when all I had to do was marry someone I liked, who was next in line for his own throne. If I let the people vote, I can marry whomever I want, whenever I'm ready. But if I let it go to a vote, I will lose control of the King line to the Crown. My family has controlled both the Queen and King lines to the Crown for hundreds of years. How can I possibly decide without my sisters here to help guide me? "It's all too much!" I shout at the wind. I sigh and press my palms on the balustrade, then slide them apart and away from me. Just like Merial and Keera were taken away from me, I think. "Princess Aislinn?" Collin's voice is soft, but it startles me just the same. "Are you ready?" I take a deep breath, "This gets easier, right?" I say with a forced laugh. I wonder how long he’s been standing here. "I suppose it does," he says, tipping his head to the side. "Though your situation is rather unique." "Right. Of course," I say with a sigh. I look back out over the water, willing the calming effect it usually has to come over me. Unique because my whole family is dead except for me. "Hey, Ash, it's going to be alright," he says, his forehead creasing with concern. "That remains to be seen," I say absently, rubbing my upper arms against the breeze. Collin looks as though he has more to say, and his arm shifts slightly, like he might touch my shoulder. But we are not just childhood friends anymore, that was Before. I am Queen now, and he is my Head of Royal Security. To be fair, he was also Merial's Head of Royal Security, but the dynamic between us was vastly different when I was "only" the third Princess. A huge part of me mourns the loss of that friendship as well. More evidence of this un-reality I’m stuck in. I can no longer afford the luxury of a casual friendship with Collin. No teasing jokes, no playful touches, and certainly no comforting gestures. The last thing I need right now is more rumors, and the last thing Smaragaid needs is another scandal. So instead of accepting a hug or even just a squeeze on the shoulder, I clear my throat lightly, and draw my shoulders back. "Thank you, Captain Neale," I say formally and walk by him into the Palace. I could swear he looks a little stung as I pass. The sounds of chatter, laughter, and light music reach my ears well before I reach the ballroom. I pause just outside the doors and watch as my fellow Smaragaidians dance and talk and drink, generally enjoying the evening. It feels like any other ball, but also different. Off. Like a sad imitation of any other ball. I wonder if that's just me, or if anyone else feels it, too. The orchestra's song swells and ends gracefully. "Her Majesty, Princess Aislinn, Acting Queen of Smaragaid!" the Herald cries out my arrival. I step fully into the ballroom to thunderous applause and a few cheers. I smile graciously to my fellow Smaragaidians. My subjects, I correct my thoughts. Collin and I went back and forth for almost a week about using "Acting Queen" as my title. He argued that I needed to remind people that I am Queen - almost - so that they stop thinking of me as merely the third Princess. I argued that in this setting it wasn't necessary. The face he gave me plainly said it was necessary. It was the kind of light hearted argument we had Before. The kind where Keera would switch sides after every other remark. The kind Merial would end at breakfast the second day with a flat “stop being absurd” without even looking up from her daily reports. In the end we compromised with Princess first, then Acting Queen. My eyes fall on Liam as the clapping dies down. We nod slightly to each other. "Good evening and welcome, Nobles of Smaragaid," I say warmly, opening my arms out in greeting to the whole room. "Tonight we come together after the terrible tragedy of last month to show the world that Smaragaidians are resilient and loving. We are undaunted and ready for the future." My voice doesn’t even shake on “after the terrible tragedy of last month”, thanks to hours of saying it out loud in front of the mirror, over and over. "Hear, hear!" someone calls from the back of the room and a few chuckles follow. I smile genuinely in their direction. "Also tonight, we celebrate the strength of our relationship with Tocht, our neighbors and closest ally, always. Please join me in welcoming the new King and Queen of Tocht!" I say, as I cross my palms over my heart, then extend my arms, palms up and still crossed, toward Liam and his bride, a symbol of respect. The focus shifts from me to Liam as another round of applause erupts. Liam smiles charmingly and steps forward with confidence. His wife blushes and closes her hand over the pendant on her necklace, then seems to remember people are watching and clasps her hands in front of her waist. "We are honored to celebrate our alliance with you all this evening," he says, nodding to several of the nobles in turn, Liam is all charisma. When his eyes return to mine he says, "It is my belief that our bonds were made stronger over the last several weeks. Tocht stands to face the future shoulder to shoulder, firmly with Smaragaid, as we have always done." Liam crosses his palms over his heart and extends his palms back towards me, with a slight bow of his head. His wife dips her head, too, and touches her necklace again. “Then let us celebrate our shared bright futures over a shared meal,” I say, holding Liam’s gaze, as is tradition. Our fathers spoke these same words, and made these same gestures, in this same room, while looking into each other’s eyes for years. Cheers go up from the crowd and I catch a brief look of sadness in Liam’s expression and think it must be an echo of my own. We may have a shared bright future, but we also have a shared dark past. Then his dazzling for-the-crowd smile takes over his face again. I doubt anyone else noticed it. Except for maybe Collin. My eyes flick to Liam's wife, only to find her staring at me with a wary expression. As people make their way into the Great Hall, Liam leads his wife over to where I stand. “Liam,” I say affectionately, grasping his elbows. “How is my favorite future Queen?” he jokes automatically, squeezing my elbows back. I inhale sharply and my smile drops a little. I remind myself that this is how he has greeted me for as long as I can remember. But that was Before. When Keera was here to protest “Hey, what about me!” He must realize it as he says it because he immediately stiffens and drops his hands to his sides. “Ash, I’m sorry” he says quietly. The pain is so raw in his voice, tears prick my eyes. I take his hand in mine and give it a squeeze. I haven’t seen Liam since the funerals, he’s the only person who understands what the last month has been like for me. At this moment, I realize this isn’t a fictional world. They’re really gone. Liam’s wife glances between us, suspicion plain on her face. “No, don’t be silly,” I say quickly, regaining my smile and letting go of his hand. “I am still a future Queen, after all.” “That you are!” he says brightly and pulls me in for a hug. Then he whispers in my ear, “Are you alright?” “Are you?” I whisper back, before pulling away and raising my eyebrow at him. “You haven’t introduced me to your new Queen!” His face lights up and his real smile stretches across his lips. He turns to his wife and reaches for her hand. “Your Majesty, please allow me to introduce my wife,” he says formally. She smiles uncertainly at him, then looks at me. After a beat of silence, I realize she’s unsure of what to do. “It is an honor to meet you,” I say, giving her an encouraging smile. “The honor is truly mine, Your Majesty,” she says, her bronze cheeks coloring slightly. Her accent catches me off guard, I’ve never heard the Universal Language sound so rich. “You’re from the Hice Isles, is that right? How are you finding our weather? You must be freezing!” I link my arm through hers as we move toward the Great Hall. She looks down at our entwined arms, surprised. “Yes, from -” but before she can finish, Collin interrupts. “Beg pardon, Majesties,” he says, sounding apologetic, “The Duchess of Ross wishes to speak with the Princess urgently.” Liam snorts and it’s all I can do not to roll my eyes. Ayleen always wishes to speak with me urgently. The matter is never urgent. “Yes, very well,” I sigh. As I follow Collin, I call over my shoulder to Liam’s wife, “Please come find me after the dinner!” When the meal is finished, everyone moves outside to the East Courtyard for dancing under the stars, as is also part of the alliance renewal tradition. Good thing the weather is nice tonight, I think wryly. More than a few times in my memory, we’ve had to dance in the rain. I always swore that I would never create any outdoor traditions when I was a Queen. I smile to myself at the memory of my mother’s laugh when five-year-old me told her as much. I’m standing with Ayleen and Princess Jessamine of Albion, pretending to listen to whatever the Duchess is saying about her dress for the Coronation. Jessamine is murmuring her approval of Ayleen’s color choice when the new Queen of Tocht approaches. “It was a lovely dinner, Your Highness,” she says shyly. “Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it,” I say. Jessamine goes still at the incorrect address, and mentally I cringe. I wish I could remind them that the new Queen’s family was not part of any nobility until she married Liam. I doubt she said it to be sarcastic. “It’s ‘Your Majesty’ when you’re talking to a King or Queen,” Ayleen says, rolling her eyes. Leave it to Ayleen to make someone feel welcome, I think with an inward sigh. “I’m so sorry, I knew that!” The new Queen looks stricken, one hand on her cheek, the other closing around her necklace again. “Oh please don’t be sorry, I’m not Queen yet, am I? I’m sure it is an adjustment,” I say, trying to smooth the situation over. “It is a lot to take in,” she says in her rich, ringing voice. “Especially for a Commoner like you, no doubt,” Ayleen says haughtily. “Duchess Ayleen, I am quite surprised at you, did you not also marry into your title?” I ask, a warning in my tone. Jessamine, with a look of delight, glances around, and motions to Collin, who is at her side in seconds. She leans close to his ear and whispers, “popcorn”, so low I’m sure no one else hears. I shoot Collin a “don’t you dare” glare. Jessamine grumbles something that sounds a lot like “no fun” as Collin smirks and steps back. “Your Majesty, I only meant-” Ayleen says. “I’m sure you meant to say you remember how hard it was, adjusting to Royal life?” I say. “Precisely, Your Majesty. You do know me so well,” Ayleen hurries to agree. “Of course, Ayleen,” I say generously. “Now, I am going to take the Queen on a tour of the Palace. Will you join us, Princess Jessamine? Do excuse us, Duchess.” “Certainly, Your Majesty,” Ayleen says stiffly and bobs a curtsy. “That was very kind of you, I don’t mean to cause trouble in your Court,” the new Queen says after Ayleen has left. She’s rubbing at her pendant now. “What it was,” I say, “was rude of her. What an awful representation of Smaragaid. If you were a Queen of a different temperament, you could strip her title.” “And I assure you, the Duke would not like that at all,” Collin offers from his spot a few feet away. “Oh please do it, I’ll be your best friend!” Jessamine says, clapping her hands together. The new Queen laughs at that. “Come, let me show you Smaragaid Palace,” I say, taking her arm and motioning to Jessamine. ***************************************************************************************************** Almost 200 years later... Now - Kenzie I’m standing on the balcony off the second floor east ballroom, just staring out at the Smaragaid Bay. It’s quiet here, usually. The view is better from the west veranda. Or maybe it’s just that Declan hasn’t told anyone this is where I hide. I’ve waited two long years for my Coronation, and now it is finally here. I have spent that time studying the Universal Code, current events, history, and meeting with other Kings and Queens of other nations. I feel well prepared for my role as Queen. The only detail I have NOT finalized is how to handle the surprise opening in the King line of the Crown. “Princess?” Declan says softly. I turn to him with a tight smile. “They’re ready for you,” he adds. “This gets easier, right?” I ask hopefully. “I’m sure that it will, Your Majesty,” he says with a nod. “No one has ever died from addressing the Council yet.” He grins. “Thank you, Declan,” I laugh. “You always know what I need.” Taking a deep breath, I straighten and march into the palace. Declan follows a few steps behind, as my Head of Royal Security, he’s never far from me. “They’re expecting an update on the King line,” Declan says quietly as we walk down the corridor. “Of course they are,” I snort. “What do you plan to tell them?” he asks, lowering his voice so the passing staff don’t hear. I glance over my shoulder at him, raising my eyebrows, “I plan to wing it.” It’s his turn to snort, “Always a good choice, Your Majesty.” We stop outside the Council Room doors. I take a second to straighten my shoulders and shake my hair back from my face. Declan waits while I gather myself, then nods at me. I nod back, and he opens the doors. “Ladies and Gentlemen of the Council,” I announce my own arrival, walking through the doors. “I’d like to thank you for the opportunity to speak with you this morning.” “Your Majesty, with all due respect, I’d hardly call this an “opportunity”. We requested your presence at today’s meeting to discuss our concerns.” Duke Terrence says coldly. “Duke Terrence,” I return warmly, “I see discussing concerns as an opportunity, do you not?” Next to the Duke, Duchess Kaylee fights a grin. “Your Majesty, the deadline to fill the King line to the Crown fast approaches!” Terrence bristles. “Yes, Duke Terrence, I am well aware.” “Frankly, Your Majesty, you do not seem to be taking this as seriously as you should.” he bites back. “We do not want a repeat of the last time the King line was open,” Duchess Kaylee puts in gently. “Oh my, certainly not!” I exclaim. “I assure you, I do not take this responsibility lightly. I intend to make the best choice for Smaragaid. As well as for myself.” “Do you intend to let it go to a vote, then?” Councilor Linda calls from the end of the table. “I have not yet made my decision, Councilor Linda.” I say evenly. “This Council was formed to avoid issues when filling a line of the Crown. We cannot do our jobs if you do not keep us informed!” Duke Terrence says, standing up from his chair. In my head he stamped his foot, too. I smile serenely and reply “I understand that, too. And I will keep you updated.” “Have you even met with all the available Princes?” Councilor Linda practically shouts. “Not as of yet, several arrive this week. Shall we meet again on Friday? Or are there other matters to discuss?” I ask in my most soothing voice. “We don’t think you’re giving the Princes a fair chance,” Linda bursts out, standing now too. “We’ve decided you will hold a welcome ball on Saturday. And WE will see to it that ALL eligible Princes are invited.” Her expression is hard. A quick scan of the room shows a similar look on every member of the Council, except Duchess Kaylee who looks like she wants to jump out the window, and Lord Winthrop whose face is always carefully blank. My gaze flicks back to Linda. “Now, you may go.” she says cooly. I hear Kaylee’s sharp inhale, and even though I can’t see Declan, I know he stiffened. I narrow my eyes at Linda, she may have a job to do on this Council, but I have a country to run. No one is going to take me seriously if I allow a mere Councilor to speak to me this way, to dismiss ME in my own palace. “Please, Councilor Linda, remind me,” I say, taking a step towards her. “What rank do you hold which allows YOU to dismiss your QUEEN?” My tone full of warning and ice. From the corner of my eye I see Terrence take his seat again, and Kaylee covering her mouth to hide her giggle. “None, Your Majesty!” Linda answers quickly, “please accept my apologies!” “But of course, Councilor,” I say in my sweetest voice. “I trust you will personally organize this ball?” “Ah, yes. Yes, Your Majesty. I will get right on it.” “Great,” I say. “I wouldn’t want the event staff overtaxed with everything already going on for the Coronation. Now. You are dismissed.” “Yes, Your Majesty.” Linda’s voice is sheepish as she curtsies. She leaves the room without meeting my eyes again. “Now then,” I wait until the door closes behind her before turning my attention back to the Council. “If there are no further matters to discuss, we will meet again on Friday. Good day, Council members.” As the members stand to leave, some look proud, Duke Terrence looks disgruntled, but most look vaguely amused. “Oh, Duchess Kaylee, I require a moment of your time,” I call to her retreating back. Kaylee turns and inclines her head, “Of course, Your Majesty.” She steps to the side so the other members may exit. I wait for Declan’s nod that everyone has left and the door is closed again. “So,” I sigh and sit on the edge of the table. “How bad is it?” “Well,” Kaylee says, then adds her own sigh. “It really could not be worse.” “They’re afraid of a vote?” I ask, folding my arms. “It’s not even that,” Kaylee shakes her head. “Linda is determined to have you marry Prince Anxo.” “Prince Anxo!” I say, startled. “Yeah,” Kaylee groans. “Prince Anxo, Prince Anxo?” I ask in disbelief, hopping up to mimic the Prince’s “trademark” dance moves. It resembles some kind of hedge trimming activity combined with driving a boat. Kaylee and Declan both burst out laughing. “That’s the one!” Kaylee wheezes, she’s laughing so hard she’s holding her sides, her blond ringlets spilling forward. “But why?” I ask, suddenly sobering. Why, indeed. Was Anxo somehow related to Linda? Kaylee sucks in a breath and exhales slowly. Declan clears his throat and goes back to his normal human statue imitation. “I have no idea,” Kaylee says, finally getting a hold of herself. “But even if he somehow turns out to be perfect, you have to be very careful. You know Linda has never done anything without a selfish motive.” “You’re right, she’s definitely up to something,” I say with a smirk. “But two can play that game. I’m going to invite the princes to dinner tonight.” “Ooh, Linda will be so mad! I can't wait to see her face when she finds out!” Kaylee laughs gleefully. “Please say you’ll come!” I beg. “Are you kidding? I wouldn’t miss it!” “Perfect. Where is Terrence at on all this, do you know?” Kaylee rolls her big blue eyes, “Oh, you know Terrence. He just upset because he thinks you’re keeping information from the Council.” “Let me guess, Linda gave him that idea?” I ask, raising an eyebrow. “Ding! Ding! We have a winner!” Kaylee says in an excited voice and dramatically points at me, like the game runners at the Solstice Festival. I have to laugh. “Kaylee, you’re the best friend a Queen could have.” I say sincerely. “Aww, Kenzie! You’re making me blush! And you’re probably making Declan jealous.” “Declan has to be my friend, that’s different,” I laugh, waving in his direction. “I have to go pick a dress for dinner!” Kaylee suddenly says. “Maybe I’ll snag myself a prince!” She gives an exaggerated wink and bites her bottom lip. “7pm, East Courtyard,” I say, trying to keep a straight face. “See you there!” Kaylee says and walks through the door Declan has opened for her. “Majesty,” he says after closing the door. “Declan,” I reply. We just stare at each other for a second. “All the princes scheduled to arrive today are now here,” he says eventually. “Great, can you have Lady Keeva arrange for them to meet me for dinner tonight?” “7pm, in the East Courtyard?” he says with a grin. “Why, that is a lovely idea! Thank you, Declan!” I say. “Of course, Majesty. Anything else?” I think for a moment as he escorts me into the corridor. “Ooh, yes actually! Have someone get me Lady Keylin.” “Right away, Majesty.” he says with a nod. He waits until I’m settled in my rooms, then makes the arrangements. Alone, I sink down on my bed. I need to find a way to scare off some of these princes, I decide. It’s better for them to decide to pursue other Queens-to-be than it is for me to outright reject them. Better for who, I’m not entirely sure. Maybe it would be easiest to simply dismiss them? I unbuckle the tiny straps on my shoes and consider for the millionth time, today not total, the options for the King line of the Crown. Why did King Rupert have to go and die without an heir? “So inconsiderate,” I mutter to myself. Ok, that’s not entirely fair. Rupert was elected, and wildly popular with the people of Smaragaid. He was thirty-two and in great health. No one, least of all his wife, expected him to die just months after getting married. Of the same virus that killed my mother two years before and sent the entire globe into lockdown mode. Everyone was vaccinated within six months of my mother’s death, and there hadn’t been a single death due to the virus in just as long when Rupert suddenly died. Maybe the Smaragaid Crown is cursed, I think idly. Two soft knocks come at the door. “You may enter,” I call, rising to my feet. Keylin struts in like every floor is her personal runway. “Keylin!” I say and fling my arms out to hug her. “Kenzie!” she says back, even more excited. “I’m so happy to see you! It’s been forever!” “Yes, it has! You could invite me for tea sometime, you know.” she says, teasing. “I would invite you to tea every week if you were available!” I say laughing. “It’s true, I’m the hottest designer,” she says,flipping her hair over her shoulder, “And I hear you need a dress!” “Yes! I do! Sorry for the late notice!” “Well, lucky for you, you’re the Queen - and my friend. I have a couple options ready, what look are you going for?” Keylin asks. “I was thinking something like…” I pause thoughtfully. “Run, screaming, back to your own country. Can you work with that?” Keylin laughs, “Yeah, let me put some outfits together.” Two sharp knocks came at the door. “I wonder who that could be?” I say, surprised. “Pardon me, Your Majesty,” a woman’s muffled voice comes from outside. “Is that Kaylee?” Keylin asks, eyes shining. “It is!” I nod back. “Come in, Duchess!” “Kaylee!” Keylin attack-hugs Kaylee as soon as she comes in. “Keylin!” Kaylee exclaims, “I heard you were here! I just had to come by!” “I’m glad you did! We should do lunch next week, all of us. I refused all other clients to work on Kenzie’s Coronation gown.” Keylin says. “Then lunch it is!” Kaylee laughs. “I have to go get ready,, I just wanted to say hi! Keylin, are you staying for dinner?” “Oh hell no!” Keylin laughs. “I love you guys, but I’m meeting Duke Terrence for dinner.” “No. Way.” Kaylee gasps. “Why is that so hard to believe? I’m beautiful, I’m successful,” Keylin starts ticking off on her fingers. “You are, obviously!” Kaylee interrupts. “We all just thought Terrence preferred guys.” Keylin crosses her arms and glares at us angrily. Kaylee looks at me, panicked, and I just shrug back helplessly. “Keylin,” I say in my diplomatic voice, “we didn’t mean to offend-” “Oh, he does,” Keylin cracks a smile, “I’m just messing with you guys. You should see your faces right now!” Keylin cackles and Kaylee dissolves into giggles. “We should have known,” I manage to say while laughing. “Ok, I’m really leaving now!” Kaylee says. “Have fun Keylin, see you in a bit, Kenzie!” Kaylee waves as she leaves. “That was fun,” Keylin says. “For you!” I laugh. “Well. Yeah.” Keylin laughs again. “Come on, let’s get you dressed.”

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