Chapter 97: Memory of Home

“Isn’t it fascinating?” Dmitry asks.

I’m at the helm of the stove, my only focus, the collection of bubbling pots in front of me. “Hmm?” I say in response.

“That the monarchy forces an exam before allowing anyone in the line of succession to marry their mate.” He says. His tone indicates he has said this exact phrase before, my attention on stews and bread not mates and weddings.

“Is it? Elites marry elites, if they can help it. What are the percentages anyways?” I ask.

“The process is steeped in mystery.” He says dramatically. “We don’t even know what the process is, let alone how many fail trying to make it through. All we know is when a marriage happens, she must have passed.”

“Why do they even waste time teaching this in school if they are not going to teach it?” I ask.

“Oh, they don’t teach it, exactly. They teach that the women of the line are deemed worthy by both the Goddess and the ancient rituals of the Kingdom. This ritual is designed to test the worthiness of the can