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“And you, Prince Nevar? Did you find your accommodations in Egami Palace to your liking?”

The head with long straight tresses lifted next. Sweat beaded on Prince Nevar’s pale brow. His outfit consisted of several layers, including the floor-length jacquard coat. The poor prince must be boiling alive in this heat, all for the sake of fashion and propriety.

Despite the heat, Prince Nevar’s voice rang strong when he replied, “The rooms assigned to me and my court stun us with their splendor, Your Highness, just like the rest of the magnificent palace of your highly esteemed mother, Queen Anna.”

With a nod and a smile, I rummaged through my endless collection of small talk topics to use next. All of them were safe and boring, meant to fill the air with sound and nothing more.

“How do you find the weather in Rorrim Queendom, Prince Elbon? We’re having one of the hottest summers of late.”

The prince on my right jerked his head up, too, flicking his numerous shoulder-length braids.

“The heat is often unbearable back in Tresed Queendom, Your Highness. It is a reprieve to escape it for a while. The weather in Rorrim is lovely in comparison.”

I nodded, acknowledging his reply.

Mother smiled warmly at them. “We have many festivities planned for the entire duration of your visits, dear princes. I trust you’ll enjoy your time in Rorrim.”

Her smile remained while the princes bowed and retreated to their respective handlers.

“So?” she asked the moment they were out of earshot. “What do you think? How are you feeling about them?”

I pondered her question.

My heart beat steadily. My breath remained even. There was no pull to any of the princes, no particular interest either, other than the normal curiosity about them as representatives of foreign lands.

I felt nothing. But Mother was looking at me, expecting an answer.

“They are... um, well-schooled.”

She nodded eagerly, as if I’d said a compliment.

“Yes, so well behaved. Excellent upbringing.” She patted my hand optimistically. “You’ll have plenty of time to get to know them better before making your decision.”

I had a few weeks before the princes’ scheduled departure. One of them would stay, and everyone expected me to decide which one that would be.

Were a few weeks enough time to make an important decision like that?

I didn’t know.

But I’d vowed to dedicate my life to Rorrim. The duty of the crown princess was to get married and ensure a direct succession, which in turn would ensure stability and prosperity in the country. So, marry I must.

As for the feelings...

They weren’t necessary, were they?