Chapter 2: Chapter 2
Her father wiped away a tear with a weary sigh. “I don’t know whether she lives here or in the heavens, but I hope to see her again before I die.”
Then he pulled himself together and Jaelin saw the stoic father she knew. “I’ve told you this because you should know about your older sister. It’s a subject that pains me greatly, her kidnapping. I wanted you to know.”
“Thank you,” she murmured.
“Without her here,” he continued, “the crown is your destiny. I think it’s time you began to think of marriage.”
“What?” she asked, incredulous. “Father, I hardly think…”
King Randel’s voice hardened. “Why do you always talk back? I must’ve chosen the wrong daughter to take the royal studies. Elisai is quieter, and Maie more respectful. Either would make a better queen than lady at court yet you, the most stubborn of the lot, were raised as my successor.”
“As if you had much choice,” Jaelin replied moodily. “The law says the eldest shall become heir.”
“But you aren’t my eldest!”
“Then why worry about my marriage if I’m not the rightful heir?” she cried, exasperated. “You want me to lose my sister and my freedom all in one day?”
He turned back to his kingdom, silent for several minutes. Jaelin wondered whether she could leave when he spoke. “I’ve arranged a conference this afternoon where you’ll meet five eligible young men, sons of the highest officials in my province, all suitable husbands for a future queen. I’ll let you choose…”
“How kind, Father! I’m happy I might have some say in who’ll share my life!”
Jaelin was infuriated. Who did her father think he was? Times had changed since the Last Wars, thousands upon thousands of years had gone by, and still her father was seriously going to try to choose her future husband!
Anguished, she held the railing of the balcony, trembling with anger. Why did he insist on ruining her life? She had to get out of the library, out of her father’s sight, before she said something she’d regret.
“You don’t have to love the man you choose,” he told her. “I don’t expect you to love any of them, not at first. But you’ll grow to respect one another. That’s what matters in marriage—respect, not love. I hate to do this…”
“Then stay out of my life! Just leave me alone, you…you tyrant!” Jaelin stormed away.
The King yelled after her. “I have other problems, you know! Maelnords have been seen lately and there’s even talk of that outlaw, Airk Ranon. Some people even claim to see Ancient Mystics running about! Why can’t you just listenfor once?”
Jaelin ignored him as she passed the startled servants and stormed out of the library.
Jon Bohe and Robyne turned uneasily towards the King, silhouetted against the morning sun. Wearily King Randel took off his crown and, using the hem of his royal emerald robe, began polishing it.
With a sigh, he rubbed his eyes and forced a laugh. “I guess that didn’t go over so well, did it?”
* * * *
Robyne led the Princess out of her chambers and into the hallway. Jaelin, incensed about her unreasonable, old-fashioned father, ranted in tones just under a shout. “I can’t believe he said that! Can you imagine, me, marrying someone hechooses? I’ll have the most boring husband this side of the Baer’s! Why can’t he trust me, just for once, and let me marry whom I wish? Why?”
Robyne shook her head. “If I may be so bold, my lady, he does have a say in such matters. He’s your father, who happens to be king.”
Jaelin wheeled on her handmaiden. “I can’t believe you!” She continued walking at a fast pace. “In fact, I’ll forget you ever uttered such nonsense.”
They passed the rooms of Jaelin’s younger sisters, then took the stairs down to the gathering hall. Despite the Princess’s peasant clothing, noblemen and ladies recognized her and paid their respects with low bows and curtsies.
Jaelin, muttering darkly, acknowledged the greetings with no more than a smile. When pompous Master Simieon, the court magician, gave her a knowing grin, Jaelin began to rant again. “Who does he think he is? Did you see the way he smiled at me? The nerve of that man—of all of them!”
“There, there, my lady,” Robyne cooed, leading her away.
Jaelin sighed as she toyed with the brilliant green stone hanging around her neck by a fine gold chain. “I wish this rock would do something useful.”
“What would you have it do?” Robyne asked.
Jaelin shrugged. “I don’t know. Change Master Simieon into a toad, maybe. Anything other than making plants grow faster.”
Struggling not to smile, Robyne shook her head. “Be careful what you wish for, my lady. It may come true.”
“What’s wrong with that?” the Princess asked, bewildered.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone