The Conditions

She ran through the palace walls while her servants followed her in a haze. The meeting for the candidate selection would begin in half an hour so she wanted to be there before it starts.

"Princess, please don't run." It was Luce, one of her servants.

"I have to, Luce. I have to be there. My future depends on it." She said while running as fast as she could.

She knew it was one of the rules in the palace. No running especially for a princess like her. But if she would walk her way to the meeting hall, it would be too late.

She had to be heard. They had to know that even though she was a woman, she could make her own decision and she would not allow them to control her.

She was panting when she stood by the door. The guards bowed to greet her.

"Princess Natalia, the king is currently in a meeting with the elders. Do you need to tell him something urgent?" One of the guards asked.

"Open the door." She said.

"But Princess—"

"I said open it!" She shouted.

The guards were surprised to hear her shout. She always talked to them politely. She greeted them every morning and would sometimes watch them train.

The two glanced at each other before opening the door. It was tradition to announce the arrival of the royal family, but no one knew her appearance so everyone in the hall had confusion written on their faces.

The King had a frown on his face and was staring at her. His eyes showed disappointment and Natalia knew would get scolded once again.

"I'm sure the princess has something important to discuss with us. She wouldn't dare to crash into a very crucial meeting if it's not. Am I right, Princess Natalia?" His father asked in an imposing tone.

She nodded. "Y-Yes, father. I-I mean Y-Your Majesty."

The elders stared at her as she heard some chatter behind her. The hall was like a round courtroom. There were chairs around it and a small platform with a podium at the center where a speaker say their piece.

In front of it were three red chairs, but the one in the middle had embellishments and carvings of the symbol of Etholia. The chair belonged to the ruler of the kingdom—King Lucius.

She took a deep breath and walked toward the podium. All eyes were on her, waiting. She had to convince them through her words because her future depends on it.

"Your Majesty, dear elders of Etholia. I would like to propose about the matter with my marriage." She started.

"Go on." King Lucius said.

She nodded and took another deep breath. "I perfectly understand the reason for the selection of the princess' mate. I may sound conceited but I still believe I can rule the kingdom without a husband. However, I care a lot for the future of Etholia and a man that could help me protect our beloved kingdom would strengthen its power. So I, Natalia Lucienne St. Clair, third princess of Etholia and the next heir to the throne, gladly accept the proclamation with specific conditions."

Her heart was pounding non-stop as she said those words. She was unsure if her father and the elders would agree, but she had to show them her determination. She stared directly into their eyes, showing them no fear. And then she looked at her father and saw him slightly smile.

"And what specific conditions?" King Lucius asked with amusement.

She gulped before answering his question.

"I would like to meet all the candidates, know them first personally, and go on a date with them if possible. I would like to test their loyalty, faith, and courage. I don't want to marry someone just because His Majesty openly offered the throne of Etholia. I want someone that not only I can depend on but would risk his life for the safety of our people." She said in a gentle voice.

She saw some of the elders nod either in agreement or just showing her that they heard her. Then another chatter. This time it took some time so she waited.

"I guess we have to vote. All those in favor, raise your hand and say aye." Elder Leon of the Silver Claws Pack said.

She closed her eyes and crossed her fingers as she listened to the elders' answers.

And she almost jumped for joy when she heard them say the word 'AYE' in unison.

"R-Really? You agree with me? Oh my! Oh my!" She exclaimed.

"Princess! Please, your behavior." Elder Cameron of the Night Hunters Pack scolded her.

She bit her lips but she couldn't hide the smile on her face.

"We agree with your conditions and we also believe that what you said was for Etholia's future. We suggest that you form a team that would assist you with this task. It is now your duty to choose the man who is worthy to rule beside you." King Lucius said while looking at her daughter.

She nodded. "I will, father. I promise I will choose a man that could protect our kingdom."

She wanted to run outside and jump to celebrate, but she was in front of the king and the elders so she walked out of the hall slowly like a princess.

When the door closes, she squealed.

"Luce! We made it! They agreed!"

"Congratulations, princess. I have never doubted you." Luce said with a bright smile on her face.

The other servants congratulated her as well as the two guards on duty. Then she went to Nilenia's room to give her the good news.

"Sister! I did it!" She announced in excitement.

"Really? I told you, you can do it! Congratulations! Now, do you have an idea about the candidates?" Nilenia asked.

She shook her head. "Do you know?"

Nilenia smirked. "I got the list!" Then showed her a piece of paper.

"Where did you get it?" She asked.

"Someone I can trust."

She chuckled. "Let's look at it together."