Scorn and Devotion

Chapter 6

"She is more than qualified for this position," my mother explained, still holding the girl in her vice-like grip.

"That is beside the point," Timothée said through gritted teeth.

The ball had been cut short, nobles and dignitaries whispering and staring at the new girl while they left. Gwyneria had heeded Timothée's every command with an easy smile and a compliant spirit.

"Do you not think there are thousands of eligible women for this competition? Why, one of the noblemen here tonight had twelve daughters"

"Come now," my mother smiled knowingly. "Surely only a few of those girls could be an age eligible to be queen."

"Be that as it may," Timothée began to pace, from a mixture of stress and a probable desire to not have to look my smug mother in the eyes.

"It does not change the fact that all over the kingdom there are Ladies, Duchesses, Countesses, and Baronesses that are eligible for this lottery. The ones who were chosen were done so at random. They are the only five who are needed."

"It is almost as if you haven't read the letter from your father," my mother's obnoxious tittering laugh seemed to fill the room.

"I read the damn thing," Timothée snapped.

The letter had stated that each girl was meant to represent one of our five provinces that made up the kingdom. However, during the past year, we had been in the process of conquering and therefore adding another province to our country. Though the new province, Seldesia, had been established AFTER us five had been picked, it had been a part of our country before we had arrived at the castle.

Timothée's father had said that Seldesia was excited about becoming a part of our country. Formally, a lone province declared to no one, they were looking forward to the aid, provisions, and community that would be provided to them. Apparently, at the last meeting, their Baron had fought long and hard for the right to add 50 Seldesian girls' names to the lottery, and that one more woman be picked to enter the competition.Gwyneria was selected.

"Then what is there to doubt your highness?" My mother's simpering tone brought me out of my thoughts.

"Why has my father not come himself?" Timothée demanded, finally stopping his pace back and forth on the dais.

"Your father?" My mother chuckled as if his question was absurd. "Your father is the king. Why should he travel halfway across the country to deliver such simple instructions?"

Timothée could read the subtext in her words. She was insinuating that his feelings were of no importance, and that he should be willing to mindlessly obey his father. Timothée hated that part of his title. He didn't want anyone to blindly obey him, nor did he want to blindly obey anyone.

"It all just seems too convenient."

He took a leap down the three stairs that lead from the Dias to the main floor of the courtroom. I heard some of the girls suck in a breath. I knew the purpose behind that move. He was deliberately trying to look improper. It was a small rebellion against my mother's insinuation that he should be nothing but compliant.

"What, pray tell, is convenient about it my Liege?"

"Each possible choice for the final five was examined by multiple members of my father's council. One of the reasons was to ensure that the woman who became the future queen would be an accomplished individual. Another reason is to keep the kingdom safe. They were thoroughly analyzed so we could be sure their bloodline and hearts held no treacherous ideas or sympathies. It is hard for me to believe the same treatment was awarded to this girl."