6_ Maids - a - Courting.

Li Huang sat in his throne , engraved with the finest jewels and gems ; Created years ago by his forefathers , pavillioned in splendour . The Emperor was being thoroughly engaged in a serious discussion with his ministers about the Financial and Economic affairs of his Dynasty with Aurora by his Side watching all that was going on with nonchalance. But throughout all this, his eyes were kept steadily on his son as he mingled with the Nobles and the Elites. All was going smoothly as planned.

Lucian had come of age and when the time was nearing when he would accede to throne and rule over Kanerria as their Emperor.

The atmosphere was calm and serene as the The Men of royal heritage discussed with their Ladies.They all sat on sheen carpets embellished with The most glorious of hues such as Magenta and Turquoise , Gold and Sky blue weaved in the Yang Dynasty .

In between each of the Four groups of individuals lay a huge tray filled with Tea and little cakes with other edibles.

Lucian noticed his Father's watchful gaze and Sighed walking away with Hikaru1 by his side.

It was all a front.

And everyone there knew it was.

The only reason these pompous pooches were here was because , as Lucian knew, he was coming of Age . That meant that soon he would ascend his father's throne had Rule over the Kanerria Dynasty .

But when he would get there, It would be natural for him to face opposition. This meeting was just to create stronger alliances and mutually beneficial friendships.

And yes...One more thing.

To Find his Future Bride.

Lucian heaved a sigh as he sat down . All this was unnecessary . He didn't want to get married and told Li Huang exactly so. But like always he would have preferred his training than this brutal Torture of staying among this people.

Hikaru sat beside him Scanning through the crowd. All these people were here for the presentation of their pretty but sadly , spoiled Princesses.

He saw as each of the Noble Ladies strived to outdo each other in their dressing while All the same , looking like puffed up peacocks.

"I know you don't want to do this Lucian. Let's leave the place.These fraudulent swindlers are making me sick."

Lucian glanced at Li Huang who was a still watching him. They had spoken earlier in the Throne room , immediately all the Court Officials had been dismissed .

Li Huang looked at his Son devoid of any Care and Concern. "Today , Lu ..." He began. "Is a very big day for you ."

"Yes Father." Lucian replied in his halfly bowed position.

"Today is the Day that you will make a significant impact on your Kingdom .You will choose during the Ceremony , a wife that befits you before your ascension to the throne. "

"Or You mean a marriage that befits you." Lucian spoke , subverting his Father.

"You catch on quite quickly Lu. All the women there will be eligible maidens from Kingdoms of great wealth and Power. Your marriage will forge a great alliance with one of them."

Li Huang stood up from his throne his royal robes gliding across the marbled floor . " Any attempts to subvert or sabatogé would be met With grave punishments."

Li Huang placed his hand on Lucian's shoulder. "Imagine that your wretched friend being beheaded and his body being fed to the birds while you have a front row seat. Will that punishment adequate for you Lucian?"

Lucian removed this negative thoughts from his head and took his place beside his Father on the throne . "Come on , The quicker we finish this, the faster we can leave. "

Hikaru stood beside his friend as the Courtier announced in aloud voice. "I present the King of the Narean Empire , Henri Petunia and his daughter , Princess Leticia Petunia of the Narean Empire."

A bald man in an excessively decorated and showy garb and by his side a lovely lady with Hair as bright as the morning sun and the clearest and bluest of eyes.

They both came forward and went on their knees before Li Huang who acknowledged with only a nod. The princess smiled politely at Lucian who responded likewise.

The bald man began to speak. "Your Highness, My dearest Daughter, Leticia. She is wonderfully skilled in the art of weaving." He summoned his servant who knelt in front of Li Huang with a robe made from the most marvellous of colors , befitting for a King. The man presented it to the Emperor who nodded again in approval .

Lucian knew the real truth about this prima donna. Henri Petunia had only males that were of princely blood but no daughters. So when he had heard that the Heir to the Kanerria Dynasty was of marriageable and , he had one of his numerous illegitimate daughters step right up . Every Lady here wanted to be the Wife of The Renowned Lucian Cyran Huang...

Or rather...

Everyone wanted to gain access to the Throne of the Kanerria Dynasty.It was the most powerful kingdom due to its advancements in weaponry and agriculture.

If you could Control that.

You controlled all.

Next up was Köshaku Ishikawa Heir to the Ushuntis Dynasty and daughter of the Fearsome , Shogun Daiymo , Daiske Ishikawa . The Shogun Daiymo's army is the Second Largest to ours in the Seven Great Kingdoms numbering Seven Hundred and Ninety Eight Thousand Men."

Lucian smiled at the Lady who bowed before him , wrapped up snuggly in her Kimono and she reddened in excitement. Her father also presented a delicate Vase, designed with dragons , Crafted by the Finest Crafters as a token of Peace.

Lucian yawned.

"All these women are bores. I need to do something exciting ." He said to Yu who sat beside and rested his hand underneath his jaw. "You are so good at these things. Why can't you be the one to get married??"

" That is what everyone says at first, Young Lord. Soon enough , you will learn to place the thoughts of others above yourself."

Lastly , came a Lady with an impassive but superior look on her face. She was Noble Lady Ae-Cha.Her father is the Leader of the Gandralik Empire leading Empire in armoury and artllery. He and Li Huang have been warring for ages and their matrimony might possibly end in a truce between the two. They had unlimited access to Gold mines in various parts of their Empire and had numerous trading partners. She was,as well famous for her resistance to charms or compliments from young men.

As she bowed before The Emperor , Li Huang spoke in a commanding voice "Where is Cui Lou?"

"My father couldn't find time to attend so I came in his place , Your majesty." She replied in a sultry voice. "But I come with an offering Your Highness, A Golden corral commissioned by my father ."

The crowd mummured at this gift of huge recognizance. The Emperor dismissed her and she paid her respects to Lucian before returning to her seat admist stares and whispers.

The procession now began in the fullest as the Royals and Nobles interluded with one another.

Lucian sighed once more .

He was sick to the death of these formalities.