the Crown of Edom {Solangelo Prince AU}

5. Care For a Dance?

~i thought i'd mention that there are no magical aspects about the kingdoms, the names are just names~

The princes and princesses stood in the open ballroom, chatting to each other, restlessly waiting for the prince.

"Back straight," Will says. "Hold your core tight and remember to always be graceful. Accept any offer for a dance. Always keep conversation flowing."

"If you know how to give courting advice, I'd assume you would have a wife by now," Nico mumbles. "Do you have some weird fantasy that keeps you single? Or are you just a poor lover?"

"Your brother is perverted," Will's face folds in disgust.

"And he has been since childhood," Hazel shudders and fixes Nico's suit. "Promise me that you will be on your best behavior? You are a bachelor, after all."

Nico nods. "I'm just worried, is all. Should I really be taking counseling from a single man?"

   Will narrows his eyes. "I am single because I have duties," he points at Nico. "One of your duties is to not be single."

   Hazel adjusts his hair. "Spouses bring balance. They offer a second opinion, and they give you something to value."

    "Very well then," Nico fixes the collar of his shirt. "Hazel, how would you feel of me marrying someone...say...in their 40's."

    Hazel walks to the door. "As if you care. If I tell you that I would not allow it, you would only pursue that very thing. If I tell you I would be fine with it, I would simply be a liar. I remain indifferent. Why?"

    "I've taken interest in Prince Luke."

    "Prince Luke," Will repeats, his face emotionless. "His wife recently passed. She was 22."

    "It is not so uncommon for men to remarry younger," Hazel nervously fiddles with her fingers.

    "He is rich. He is smart. He is experienced," Nico shrugs. "Why not?"

   "One could argue passion, desire, want," Will crosses his arms slowly and leans against the wall.

   "We...have that," Nico hesitates.

   Hazel shakes her head. "Nevertheless, choose a few princes, maybe pri—"

   "I won't be choosing princesses."

   "Fine! Choose the ones who you feel a spark with and they will stay," Hazel says. "Then, we will continue to filter through until you've found a...spouse."

    "Husband."

    "Right. Are you ready for your grand entrance?" Hazel smiles warmly. "Will and I will be mingling if you need help."

     Nico takes a deep breath and stares at himself in the mirror again. "I'll be out there in a second."

    Hazel nods understandingly. "Will, would you like to accompany me?"

    "I would indeed," he says, offering an arm. Nico waits until he hears the two make it to the end of the hallway, where the room opens up to a grand staircase leading down to the ballroom. Hazel receives applause, making Nico's stomach hurt.

    "This is fine," Nico reassures himself.

    He takes a deep breath and begins his way down the hallway. A servant nods at him before hurrying to tell Hazel that he's ready.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Hazel announces. "We are very grateful for your arrival. As you all know, my brother, Prince Nico, will be taking the crown. Of course, with being king, he must find himself a proper spouse. He will choose a certain amount to stay in the castle as he continues on his path to find marriage. Without further ado, I welcome you to Prince Nico of Edom."