Forcibly Engaged

As a full moon sinks slowly below the horizon, shouts of pain can be heard around the Atarin castle. The queen, Nettle, is in labor with the kingdoms soon to be heir's. King Edward slowly paces in the hall as he awaits for his children.

"I wonder how many she'll have" he excitedly thinks to himself, "hopefully at least one girl, oh how I would love for a daughter in addition to my sons."

For as long as anyone could remember his family line had produced many sons at each birth. Most villagers say its because their ancestry is from rabbits, who were known for having many children at once. Edward always laughed it off whenever someone would mention it, calling it a silly rumor. But now that he's on the verge of fatherhood he can't help but hope for it to be true.

Suddenly a very small nurse comes bursting out of the door, with an extremely pale face. "My king " she quickly bows, and softly says "Nettle is ready for you."

Hoping with excitement, he swiftly walks into the room to meet his children. As he turns the corner towards her bed he calls out "How many sons have you bless-" Edward is cut off by the sight before him.

Nettle lays in bed holding a small bundle wrapped tightly in a pink blanket, sobbing. To her side is a black box with a white sheet covering its contents. But before anyone can even say anything Edward knows what's happened.

"She's the only one that made it" the mouse like nurse softly says from the door way "one little girl is all you have." she quietly walks past and rolls the cart out from the room.

Edward swiftly goes to his wife's side and wraps her and the infant in his arms, holding back tears he looks down at the small infant sleeping soundly, and can't help but smile while tears begin forming in his eyes.

"I'd like to call her Clover after my grandmother" Nettle says quietly, tears still running down her cheeks.

"I think that's a perfect name for her, darling" Edward replies as he kisses her head "we couldn't ask for a more perfect daughter." He slowly lays in bed with his wife, pulling her close.

A few hours later and nearly a thousand miles away, deep in the rowling kingdom, a messenger swiftly runs into the Kings office.

"What news do you have for me" King Titus asks while keeping his gaze on the many scrolls and letters on his desk.

" One female is all they had my king," the messenger reports while bowing "apparently none of the males survived delivery"

"You may go" is the only response, as Titus begins picking up the many papers. Once the messenger is gone he turns to the generals and other government officials in his office.

"Begin organizing a plan, in exactly 18 years we'll be leading a stealth mission deep into their capitol city of Greendale" he orders while holding eye contact with a young cheetah like man.

"why in 18 years my king?" the another much older general questions.

Titus turns to face him " Because, General Calgary, in 18 years their princess will be marrying one of my sons, giving us access to the entire planet."

The group of men all look around at each other in surprise until the same general asks "well which of the triplet princes will she be marrying?"

Titus slowly turns around in his chair until he's facing the wall. "We'll have to wait and see who she chooses. Now that is all, begin preparing a special team and leave my office at once."

Once the last man had left Titus cleared his throat as he spun back around before calling out "kids I know you're in here eavesdropping." After he waited a few minutes he raised his voice a bit. "Show yourselves, your not in trouble."

A vent in the wall opened loudly as four young cubs rolled out of it and quickly stood up. "Sorry papa," the one female softly said "we were just curious what all the fuss was about."

"That's okay harmony, now you run along and find your mama, while I talk to the boys." Titus gently told his daughter while smiling softly at her. Once she had shut the door he turned to his son's. " Havik, Chaos and Rowdy, mama and I really did a good job naming you didn't we?" the three boys sheepishly smiled at their father. "Now did you all hear what I told the men that were in here?"

All three boys nodded their heads before king Titus continued. "In 18 years one of you will become the sole heir of our throne and of Atarin's thrown."

"But how will you pick papa?" the smallest one quietly asked.

"Ah that will be up to the princess my son, so you all must prepare to win her affection" Titus answered " We descend from a mighty lion, and are known for our strength and bravery, while she comes from a meek bunny, and might value other things over physical ability, now run along and play, I have a lot of work to get done."

Once the young boys got out into the courtyard they began to play, where they would forget completely their fathers plan. Meanwhile a war was brewing, King Titus knew King Edward would protect his kingdom, and his only heir at all costs. But it was a risk he had to take, to secure his kingdom and his children's fates.

Young harmony would be the back up plan if they were to have more children, but something told Titus that after their tragedy, they wouldn't try again. Unrolling his scrolls and sitting back down at his desk, he began studying routes to take in 18 years. "With all this planning surely the abduction would be successful" he thought to himself as he began making a list "hopefully a successful marriage will come from it aswell." After all, he would have 18 years to prepare his son's to be the best options for a young princess.