1. Of Crowns and Frowns

Third Prince Myriem Lee was an ordinary but decent prince: a bit spoiled, with an ego that was slightly too large, but with an overall desire to good by his subjects.

He had been a naughty child, giving his tutors endless headaches and heartaches, but as he grew older, his academic merit could not be ignored. He trained diligently - mostly out of a desire not to lose against Darien, but his skill with a sword was respectable. He did his work on time, obeyed his parents, and made nice with the leeches in the royal court.

Overall, he felt that he was a pretty reasonable guy.

So forgive him for being upset when his older brother came back from battle, bringing Myriem a - completely unwanted - wife.

Myriem was drudging through the piles of paperwork his parents had left him - endless contracts, policy updates, and other nonsense they liked to push off onto him - when his trusted servant quietly informed him of Second Prince Keel's plans.

Second Prince Keel was coming back from his excursion at the north border, where he had been sent to quell the skirmishes with the neighbouring country of Aselan. He was a man of the court, not the battlefield, so Myriem had been smug, expecting Keel to come back with his head low.

He didn't expect Keel to come back with a wife for him. If he had known Keel was so capable, he wouldn't have arranged for Keel to be sent out to begin with.

Myriem flowed through the decadent halls, ignoring the servants bowing as he passed through corridors and arches, hoping to stop Keel before he met with their parents.

When Myriem opened the door to the centre hall, his heart dropped. Second Prince Keel stood a few metres ahead, standing tall and proud. When his lips twitched as he looked Myriem up and down, Myriem felt a strong sense of foreboding. He would have clutched at his sword had he carried it.

[Damn, where's Darien?] Myriem thought vaguely.

"Perfect time, Adi," his mother's voice boomed from the ostentatious throne at the head of the hall. "Your elder brother just came back from the border."

Myriem swallowed harshly before schooling his features. He stepped forward and gave his parents a quick salute before turning to his brother and giving a perfunctory bow.

"You're back from the border, Ani-jaan?" he addressed his elder brother respectfully, keeping up the charade.

Second Prince Keel gave him a measured smile. "Yes, all was well, Ani-chi." Myriem's skin crawled at the familiar address, but he presented a relieved smile, touching his heart in a gesture of worship to thank the heavens for bringing his brother back safe.

"Your Ani was just mentioning the little tribute he bought back for you," Queen Karin spoke up from her throne, pleased at the show of camaraderie between the boys.

Keel's smile turned strained as he faced his step-mother. "Yes... Ami," Keel inhaled, "As a part of the treatise, the King Aselan wishes to unite our countries through marriage. He sent back his one of his children with me."

Myriem's mother raised an eyebrow. "Where is she?" Queen Karin's eyes flickered towards Myriem. Myriem felt his heart drop. If his mother wanted him to marry, he would have no way to refuse. He peeked at his father, hopeful. His father was disinterested.

"The entourage will arrive by the end of the week," Second Prince Keel promptly replied. Queen Karin looked at the treatise Keel was reading, taking it from him when he was finished.

"Keel-chi," King Sepalem smiled at Keel. "You've done well. We'll hold a banquet for your return soon."

Myriem knew he needed to speak before the matter of his marriage was cemented. "Ami, Abi," his parents turned to him. "We should use this banquet to give due rewards. Keel Ani-jaan has brought our nation great prosperity, and General Bimad has been due for a promotion."

Marrying one of their greatest generals to the foreign princess was acceptable. While Aselan may feel slighted, as they sent her with intention of marrying a prince, they would be contented with the military influence General Bimad would give them.

King Sepalem was very fond of General Bimad, and Second Prince Keel could see his father considering. Keel frowned. "Marquis Luwo's daughter and General Bimad have been in talks for a while. Marrying the princess to General Bimad would upset the military balance in the country."

Myriem knew Keel was creating stories from ink wisps. The Luwo daughter had maybe danced with General Bimad once at their last banquet, yet that was conveniently turned into marriage talks to block Myriem. Keel had the power to make it come true, if necessary.

Queen Karin frowned at Myriem. "I heard the third daughter of Aselan is a beauty," she encouraged, thinking her son was worried about his bride's appearance. Myriem was her only son, she was willing to indulge him. If she was not a beauty, she would be the most incensed. "They are Sirens. They will not disappoint."

"I'm not worthy of her grace," Myriem humbly refused. He tried once more. "Niman Ani-chi has done me great service, and -"

"Adi, son," Queen Karin interrupted. "We will discuss once her entourage arrives."

Myriem's heart dropped. His mother had made up his mind. Second Prince Keel hid a smile and bowed to his parents. Myriem did the same, hiding his frustration. He followed Keel out of the grand hall, clenching his teeth as he walked behind his elder half-brother.

Keel slowed his pace to walk one half-step ahead of Myriem. "Julie Anne of Aselan is noted for being charming and personable," Keel said casually. "There are few that are more suitable."

Myriem clenched his fists. "Yet you are not tempted?" he said bitterly. The Aselan princess was so good for Myriem, but Keel wouldn't dare take her himself.

Keel blinked at him and then huffed a laugh, a hint of a mocking smile on his face. "Ani-chi, congratulations on your betrothal." He clapped Myriem on the back and left, leaving Myriem fuming in the castle halls.

It was only the servants in the walls that prevented Myriem from attacking Keel's retreating back.

It was effectively settled, then. Myriem was to marry Julie Anne of Aslen by the end of the week.