6 Choosing A Good Candidate

"Have you heard? The king is building a new extravagant palace for the concubine."

"What, I heard he has not even given a gift to the queen yet."

"The new concubine must have placed a spell on him!"

"If the king favors the concubine so much. We might have to meet her."

I listen to the words of the females. Word spreads around so quickly. But, should I pay heed to them?

The other females gather around me like birds. Afraid to provoke me, but at the same time try to win favor. Although, it is good. At least now I do not have to go to each of them.

"Your majesty, you must not let him out of your grasp! You must hold on to him," the daughter of a duke speaks.

"Does she need the king, do you not believe she can hold herself?" A female speaks much to my surprise.

"Please excuse my mouth! I did not mean it that way. It's just that you should not give up. The concubine knows nothing. She is not fit to be near the king's side."

I smile at the poor trembling girl

"It is alright."

The daughter of a duke laughs nervously. "Well, enjoy your time here at the party. Good day to you, your majesty."

"Indeed, to you as well."

"Thank you."

I thought to myself for a while.

"I wish to be left alone, except for you," I point at the female who spoke up before.

"Are you sure you do not need our company, Queen Victoria?" the females questioned one after another.

"Yes, I am sure. Good day."

Much to their dismay, they all left with a sour face. Cursing at the female from before for ruining their chance.

I turn to the female who spoke up from before.

"I have never seen you before. Tell me, what is your name?"

"I am Wendy Miller, your majesty. Daughter of Duke Williams."

"Tell me about yourself."

"Sadly, have no great accomplishments to pique your interest."

"Am I not to choose that? Do tell me."

"If you say so, your majesty. I guess I do love the art of war. To quench my thirst. I've read all of the great Sun Tzu's works. Not only tactics, I love games. I go with my father to hunt every winter. If I do say so myself. I am good with swords."

Quoting from the book I say, "'Hence to fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting.' You say you do not have great accomplishments. But, if these are not great accomplishments than what is?"

Her face becomes flustered, "Thank you, your majesty."

"Well, Wendy. I would like to invite you for tea tomorrow at the palace. Will you be available at twelve in the morning?"

Surprised, she replied," Of course, your majesty. That would be an honor."

"Then I guess it is set. I will place someone at the entrance to lead you in."

"I will not be late."

"I am sure you won't. I will not keep you any longer. Please do have some fun."

"Thank you your majesty, have a good day."

I watch her silhouette disappear in the crowds. The girl was quite smart.

"Alice, what do you think of the girl?"

"She is still young, my queen. How could she be a good candidate? But, I do guess she is better than the other nobles."

"Hm, do you believe so?"

I leisurely lay back. Such stress, I wonder why he did not just come here himself and chose. All that boy knows is how to get into trouble. Father will be certainly disappointed at him if he knows about this. Where has the boy run off to today.

"We will be leaving soon. Tell Adrian to search for my brother's location. I want to meet him today."

"Yes, my queen."

My mind fills with excitement at the thought of the outcome.