Can I Get A Marriage Proposal?

My story began with a wedding.

No. That's not it. Let me started again.

My story began with a marriage proposal.

As one of the princesses from Erukawa kingdom, I need to look for a suitor once I reached a certain age. Precisely, right after I turn sixteen. To commoners, this might seem a little too young. But, princess have different rules. We’re suggested for an early marriage not only for procreation, but due to this one law;

“A princess can only rule the kingdom, but only with a man by her side.”

Unfortunately for our Kingdom - there's only two eligible heiresses to the throne. My older sister and I. I think it’s a stupid and poorly thought-out rule, but then again – those are the rules. I don’t see it changing anytime soon.

So, despite of my ultimately lack of interest; I had met every prince there is to meet, attended every ball there's to attend, and dance with every prince charming there is to dance. So far, I haven’t found nobody worthy enough to be the one.

They are either too young or too old.

To slick or too weak.

Too ordinary to say the least.

Honestly, I wasn’t even that picky. But, my older sister, Princess Azumi always get the cherry pick in the garden, leaving me swimming in a pool of rejects. It hardly a surprise. After all, she is the first choice to run the kingdom. It only makes sense that she gets the first pick to everything.

Did I mentioned that my 25 year old sister has already been married twice?

Unfortunely for Azumi, both of her marriages had either ended in divorce or death. Her first husband, Prince Meko is small time ruler from a small little state with a population only 1/12 from ours. He’s a meek man who enjoys spending his time in his library, more than to govern his state. Azumi despises married to him and as soon as she was granted a divorce – she waste no time to find another husband.

Prince Astride, her second husband – was a tall and stoic man who was much older than my sister (gap of 17 years). However, they seem compatible and my sister absolutely adores him. Fate soon entertwined and their marriage only lasted less than year, after Prince Astride was killed in a war. Azumi was pretty heartbroken and decides to return home for good, nearly about two years ago. And she haven’t been looking for her next husband ever since.

A fact that seem to worry out father a lot.

"You have no husband or children, Azumi. How do you expect to continue our royal bloodline?”

“But, father…”

“Daughter! Please think carefully about our kingdom future. It’s a good thing we’ll be having a Winter Ball soon. I’m sure you’ll find a suitable suitor then.” Our father continues with confidence.

Azumi, exasperated, but didn’t dare to say anything. Our dinner table had suddenly turn quiet. In her last attempt of defending herself, she finally said;

“Well, if only my dear Astride didn’t die in that bloody war - I won’t have to put up with this!” she clamor before leaving the banquet hall. She passed by me on her way out but as usuall didn’t acknowledge my presence.

Typical Azumi. She likes to pretend I don’t exist. The one time she did – she called me a ‘murderess’. Just because I was the reason that our mother is dead.

Well, I don’t really like to talk about this, so let’s continue with our current story.

Yes, the marriage proposal.

Come to think of it, Azumi could have marry Prince Astride little brother, Prince Lurve if she wanted. Afterall, they are much closer in age, compared to Astride. But, I also recalled some unflattering comments she made about him a while ago when she was asked that question.

“That little snot? He can’t even properly hold a sword, let alone marry. How can a stupid boy like that hold a candle to my dear Astride?”

“Didn’t you said he used to have a crush on you?”

“So what? I’m still not interested in that manchild!” she barks.

Perhaps, she had a point. Azumi hates a man who couldn’t hold out on his own. Her first ex-husband, Prince Meko was too kind for his own good. Azumi hates that. She’s always been a strong character with much stronger will and wants to rule the kingdom with iron fist. Prince Meko is anything but that. Seeing his failure as a future ruler and a husband, Azumi ask to be let go. To this day, she firmly believes that their union was a mistake.

"My idiot ex-husband heard about Astride death and wants me to take him back." I remember she told me nearly a year ago. She likes to open up about her personal life with a one-liner like that.

"Prince Meko said that? So, what did you say?" I ask back, in little shock.

"So, I asked him if he still a coward. Tragically, he said yes.”

"So, is that a no?" I added.

She look at me with disbelief.

"Of course! Why on earth would I need a man like that? It’s totally embarassing just to be seen with him.” she said, almost spits at me.

I know provoking her wouldn’t do us any good. But, she wasn't done.

"Well, what about you, Kimiko? I heard you rejected a suitor again. Who is that poor soul this time?"

"I rather not talk about it." I reply before pretending to read again.

"Oh, but you must! It’s only fair. Here I am generously telling you about the story of my life, and you couldn’t spare me a little details about yours. I even tell you about my stupid ex-husband, Prince Meko!"

“But, I didn’t even ask. You tell me that one on your own.” I said.

She scoff, “Nothing is for free in this world, Kimiko. You should know that by now.”

"I’m getting little tired. Goodnight, Azumi." I said and give her a little bow.

"Fine. Ignore me. I’ll have you know, I wasn’t that thrilled to hear your stupid stories anyway!" she shouts back.

I closed the door behind me with a happy heart.

It’s safe to say that my tumultous relationship between Azumi and I is beyond repairation. If she’s not instigating fight, it means we’re already in one. I think our clash of personality are probably the source of the problem, but who could even tell at this point?

Thankfully, living in a big palace have its advantages. We can spend many of our days and free time, apart. Sisters are usually close to one another, but I don’t think it will ever happen between us. Personally, I think it’s for the best.