The Marriage Proposal

Princess Nela von Schmodden was feeling unwell. No, worse than that – it felt like her insides were twisting, as if she had just been in the maws of a sea serpent. And really, she would rather be out there, fighting one than going into the throne room in front of her.

Leo was at her side, confused but optimistic. And that, maybe, was the worst. Nela wanted to tell him what was going on – but how could she do it, when he didn’t understand her language?

Over the last day, she had let herself get carried away. Gaming with him was fun – something they could do without actually having to think of the future.

But that didn’t work if the future was now. She had nowhere to run.
The doors opened, and Nela straightened a little more. She would need all the confidence in the world to pull it off.

The nobles of the castle were gathered here. They glanced at Leo with unveiled curiosity, and the low murmur of whispered words arose.

“Queen Malevke von Schmodden welcomes her daughter,” her mother’s announcer said, and immediately, all noise quieted down.

Her mother was an imposing woman even on her best days. And today, her olden eyes glowed with barely contained fury. Nela stiffened even more, and she knew that it had an effect on Leo as well. Was he even aware who was sitting on that throne? She couldn’t be sure, but she knew that he was feeling just as unwell as she did. It was written plainly on his face, mixed with confusion.

She wanted to tell him that it was alright, that they would get through this – but no word nor gesture escaped her. She was too caught up in her role to do anything.

Queen Malevke stood up, and a motion went through the room - both men and woman bowed, just like Nela and Meike did. Leo matched them with suprising speed, though he still seemed more confused than anything.

“Get up,” Queen Malevke said, and her voice sounded quite irritated. "Nela, explain yourself."

Everyone straightened again, but it didn't feel like anyone relaxed. Leo glanced at Nela, whose gaze was fixed at her mother. Hervoice sounded unbothered, but on the inside, she tensed up. She made a flourishing gesture at Leo, as if she was showing him off.

"You wanted a suitable marriage candidate for me. Well, this is Leo."

Suddenly, everyone’s gaze was locked on Leo again, and all the emotions with it - irritation, confusion, anger, envy, disgust. Oh, how Nela wanted to shield him from it. But there was nothing she could do. Not now. Not like this.

It was much easier to fight monsters with her sword, instead of having to argue with her mother.

"I already chose your fiance," Queen Malevke said. "He is here with us, right now."

She made a slight gesture with her hand, directing the room's gaze to a young man next to her. "Sören Goldhoor," she said. "You will marry him."

The young man called Sören was surprisingly pretty. His hair wasn't blond, but shined golden in the sun, as if it was truly made from the very metal. His green eyes shimmered with depth, even if he held himself with an air of playfulness, as if this didn't matter to him. But he spared only a glance for Nela—before he watched Meike instead, who glared at him as if she despised him even more than Leo.

"But I.." For the first time, Nela was at a loss for words. "I already found the love of my life."

There was a crack in her mask. She didn’t want to show weakness, but her hand searched for Leo’s, and found it. It anchored her, even just a little.

"You." Queen Malevke's eyes narrowed, and her focus was on Leo. "Do you think you will measure up to Nela?"

A question. That much was clear,e ven to Leo. But he clearly didn’t know what to answer.

He stuttered, and finally, managed to answer with his own question. But no one understood what he actually said. He glanced at Nela, as if wanting her help. But there was nothing she could do.

"What does he say?" The queen glared at Nela. "Doesn’t he speak our language?"

"He is learning," Nela pleaded with her. "He has arrived barely two days ago, so..."

"That’s not relevant." The queen brushed her off with a wave of her hand. Then, her gaze was back on me.

"Do you know our customs? Our food, our dances, our stories? What can you offer my daughter?"

Leo stared at her. Not a single word came out. And with that, he clearly confirmed her disappointment.

"Please, Mother." There Nela was again, pleading with her. "He is learning. Soon, he will be familiar with everything, I can promise you that."

At that, the queen only raised an eyebrow. "You mean that?"

Nela nodded enthusiastically.

"And you?" Her gaze was back on Leo, scorching. "Will you prove yourself?"

While Leo clearly wasn't sure what was asked of him, he nodded as well.

A murmur went through the people. There were some snickers here and there. But Leo didn't care. Nela looked happy, with her answer and his, and gave Leo’s hand an enthusiastic squeeze.

"You have three months. Then, we will organize the engagement party, just as our customs dictate. And I will test him, very carefully. If he proves himself, you two may marry..”

Nela felt her excitement rise. There was hope for them!

“But if he fails..." Queen Malevke's voice sounded dark. A threat. "... Then you will send him back to where he came from. And marry Sören."

Failure was no option, that much was clear. Nela was clearly tense, but she forced herself to nod.

"I will accept your offer, Mother," she said, her voice loud and clear.

Meike next to her stiffened. It was as if no one in the room believed they would make it. And yet, Leo couldn’t quite grasp the severity of the situation yet, but he could feel the same weight on his shoulders that pressed down on Nela.

But at last, the queen waved her hand at them.

"You may go," she said, and Nela's hand in Leo’s relaxed, "but do not forget: Three months. Then I will see if he is worthy of you, or not."

"Of course, Mother." Nela bowed, and Leo quickly did the same.

When they went out of the throne room, it felt like an immense weight had lifted from their shoulders. But Leo couldn't shake the feeling that something much worse was brewing in his near future.