Midnight Tresses

Chapter 4

"Adrien as future king you must do things that are best for the kingdom even if it doesn't make you happy. I have done many things for this kingdom and most of them I did brought me no joy but I had to do it because that is what a king does."

"But Father you're asking me to marry a complete stranger, someone I may never love."

"Now that is not always the case. I met your mother through an arranged marriage and we were very much in love."

"She tells the story differently."

"Adrien if you do not marry a real princess then you cannot be king and without a king this land will fall to ruin, poverty, and anguish. Is that what you want?"

"No Father."

"Then don't be selfish. Think of your people and their needs."

"Yes Father, I will."

"Good now tomorrow you shall be leaving with Nathalie and the guards to visit neighboring kingdoms. I expect you to have a bride chosen by the time you return."

"Yes Father."

Gabriel then dismissed him and the young prince went to his bed chamber. He threw himself on to his bed and groaned. He couldn't believe he was actually going through with this but then again he would do anything for his people he just hoped he could come to love one of these princesses like his father did with his mother. He then remembered the scroll the strange old man gave him. He pulled it out of his satchel, unrolled it, and began to read it.

"A true princess." It read. "Must be polite and gracious to stranger and friend alike, clever when faced with a situation, kind and loving to all she meets and knows, and be brave with or without fear."

Adrien was quite surprised by the scroll's words. It didn't even say that she had to be of noble birth did this mean he didn't have to marry a princess? Technically his ancestor's wishes were for him to marry a true princesses and if what this scroll said was true then that meant he didn't have to marry a princess just because of status.

The next day Adrien, Nathalie, the Gorilla, and the guards left the kingdom of France to visit several kingdoms in Europe who had eligible princesses, well eligible on Gabriel's terms. The first kingdom they visited was the kingdom of Germany ruled by King Andre one of the richest men in the world. His daughter was Princess Chloe who was said to be very pretty and elegant.

"Welcome Prince Adrien." King Andre said greeting them.

"It is an honor to meet you your majesty." Adrien replied respectfully.

"I am most thankful that you could visit my kingdom and I even more thankful that you are considering taking my daughter's hand in marriage." He said. "I'm sure you will love my little Chloe. Daughter, come and meet your future husband."

Adrien watched as a princess made her way down the stairs smiling. Her hair was like spun gold, her teeth like pearls, and her skin appeared as smooth as silk. She offered her hand which he took and kissed.

"A pleasure to meet you Princess Chloe." Adrien said.

"King Gabriel sends his apologizes for not being here your highness." Nathalie said.

"Who told you, you could speak!" Chloe snapped. "Servants like you should not speak unless spoken to!"

"I beg your pardon milady, I was only-"

"Silence! Jean-Claude take us inside! Now!"

At dinner a fine soup was prepared along with warm bread and fantastic wine.