[Please note that this is an old story, and for anyone who's read the actual separate book, I've decided to merge it with the oneshots in hopes of shortening and finishing the story <3]
"Greetings, King Sullivan."
"Greetings, Prince William."
The king of Fahrenguard was in his throne room when the Northumbrian prince arrived. "I have something urgent to discuss with you, Your Majesty." He said as he approached the throne, "May I request that we be alone?"
The king nodded and stood up. He signaled the guards to leave and walked up to the prince. Once they were alone, the king asked, "What is so urgent that you request it to be private?"
The prince tilted his head in a bow, "King Sullivan, it is with great honor and good fortune that I ask for your eldest daughter's hand in marriage."
The king looked a bit surprised, "My daughter? Why have you the sudden interest in her?"
Prince William looked up at the king. "I am at the age where I should have been married to a princess," he said, "But I hadn't found what I believed to be the right princess for me until now. Princess Belle is kind and beautiful, and she is educated. In my eyes, she is perfect. That is why I request her hand."
King Sullivan looked thoughtful, then shook his head. "I am not certain if you are the right choice for her, Prince William."
The prince frowned, "How so?"
The king looked him in the eyes. "I fear that, among other reasons, you are much too old for Belle. You are no younger than the age of thirty, and she has yet to turn sixteen." He explained. "However, if I were to agree, what can you guarantee for her and my kingdom?"
The prince's face became serious, "I can guarantee that Fahrenguard has Northumbria as an ally in case of any future wars or recovery effort when I become king. I can also promise Princess Belle's happiness and safety. I can protect her from anyone who will try to harm her, no matter who it is that would dare to try."
The king looked like he was thinking for a moment. Taking this as an opportunity, Prince William added in another reason. "With respect, Your Majesty," he said slowly, "I may be the first to ask for your daughter's hand, but I know that if I am turned down, I will not be the last."
"Where are you going with this?" The king asked, interested. Prince William frowned in a falsely concerned way. "I have heard rumors about the eldest prince of Helheim." He elaborated, "They say that he has recently come of age and is seeking a princess to be his future queen."
"Are you suggesting that I'd let my daughter marry a Hellian mutt?" The king almost shouted. Prince William bowed deeply, "No, Your Majesty. That is not at all what I was saying. You are far too intelligent to willingly allow your daughter to be the Hellian prince's partner. I was merely implying that he may choose Princess Belle because she is the eldest of the princesses available."
He rose and made eye contact with the king, "He may threaten your kingdom and force you to give your daughter's freedom for the safety of the people. God knows how miserable she will be inside of Helheim's Gate. It is always cold, and the sun never shines on their land. Not to mention, who is to say that he will not mistreat her because of the feud between your family and his?"
The king looked conflicted. Perhaps even angry. That prince wasn't foolish enough to dare try any of that, would he?
"If I were to marry Princess Belle before that happens, I could save your kingdom the stress, and I can protect your daughter from that horrible man. He will not lay so much as an eye on her."
