King and Lionheart [Dreamnotfound AU]

Chapter 20: You're doing it again

George stared in surprise at the pile of scrolls from other kingdoms.

"They want to send suitors? To court me?"

Techno hid a smile. He'd been suspiciously cheery since returning from Duresh after their victory.

"Yes, you are of age for that sort of thing."

"The other crowns were very impressed with your handling of Duresh politics, shall we say," an advisor added.

George picked up a random scroll and read again their request for a convoy into Cathens. He made a sound of disbelief.

"But what does this mean?"

"Treasure, certainly." The advisor smirked. "They will bring offerings, gifts, to sway you."

"You can't send them all away. I'm afraid you'll have to pick one of them to settle with." Techno at least seemed sympathetic.

"Well, that's...."

I never thought about this before. How could I not think of it? I just assumed my parents would be with me to... No, now I've got to do it on my own.

This might turn out to be dreadful.

George cleared his throat and glanced at Techno. "Do you know of a suitable match among them?"

The Captain crossed his arms, thinking. "We will certainly do our best to determine their character and intentions before they arrive, your highness. But as for now I cannot say. There is the problem of heirs to consider. The suitor's crown would need their own heir besides whoever they send to you."

George lowered his head, willing the blood to leave his cheeks. "Yes, of course."

Heirs. This is more political than anything else. He'd put Cathens in good standing, and the unexpected byproduct was all his neighbours trying to marry him into their families. Or marry themselves into the Caleurs for higher social standing.

"And they are sending all kinds of suitors?"

Techno gave one nod. "Princes, princesses, non-binary royalty, the works. A variety of ages too, I believe the oldest is thirty."

George wrinkled his nose. "That will not do. I will not be engaged to someone far older than me, and certainly not far younger."

"I believe that will not drastically limit your highness's options." Techno was still wearing that mysterious grin of secrets.

George peered at him.

Another advisor spoke up. "Many of them are bringing their whole families. We will need to prepare housing, food, and other arrangements."

"Yes." George's mind was elsewhere. "That won't be a problem."

They would meet again the next day with plans for the king to approve. He and Techno walked down the hallway after everyone was dismissed.

"Have we heard anything else from Dream?"

"Still no, your majesty. I promised I would inform you. Everyone in the castle is looking out for him."

"I know, I just..." George wrung his hands. "I need him here. But his father needs him more. I'm sure it's important that he stays with his family right now. I just wish... I want to hear from him, to make sure he's alright. What if he caught his father's sickness? Anything could have happened-"

"-Your highness, you're doing it again."

"Right." George stared at the cobalt blue carpet under his feet.