Chapter Text
Vine Staff sat in her library, reading a book as she sipped on a cup of fresh hibiscus tea, courtesy of one of her housekeepers. As a princess, she often had to deal with busy days full of events, lessons, and taking care of other royal duties. She liked to appreciate days like these, days where she could just relax. She basked in the natural sunlight provided by the surplus of windows and sunk into the softness of the velvet settee loveseat.
As she took the last sip of her tea, Celestial and Woodlands walked into the library, softly shutting the white double door behind them as they entered. They were king and queen, the representatives of the country, the most powerful figures for 94,000 miles, and Vine Staff’s parents. Vine Staff looked up at the sound of the doors opening, setting down her empty cup and closing her book, making sure to bookmark it beforehand.
Celestial was the first to speak up. “Happy belated birthday, Vine Staff.”
Vine Staff smiled. “Thank you, mother.”
Woodlands continued. “Due to your…brother not being eligible, you are the sole heir to the throne.”
Vine Staff nodded as Woodlands continued. “As the sole heir to the throne, you have many responsibilities. One of those responsibilities is finding a man to rule alongside you as king. We have many available bachelors, and we’ll let you have a slight say in who you’ll marry.”
Vine Staff thought for a moment before deciding something and speaking up. “Let’s throw a ball.”
Celestial raised a single eyebrow before chiming in “A ball? Don’t you think that’s a tad bit strange for meeting your future husband?”
“I don’t think anybody would question it,” Vine Staff argued.
“Why do you want a ball specifically?” Woodlands questioned.
“Balls are an amazing way to socialize and get to know people. Besides, I want my future husband to be able to dance. That’s the one trait I desperately need in him.”
“Hmmm. Very well,” Celestial responded. “We’ll schedule a ball in the coming days and invite the bachelors; you’ll have an opportunity to socialize and familiarize yourself with them. While you can weigh in on the decision, your father and I will have the final say in the decision. Understood?”
“Yes. Thank you, Mother. Thank you, Father. Is that all?”
“Yes,” Woodlands replied. “Enjoy your free time, Vine Staff.”
Vine Staff watched as both of her parents exited through the white doors. Once they had left, Vine Staff picked up her book again and continued to read. She glanced at the empty teacup and made a mental note to ask a housekeeper for some more. Softly sighing, she sunk into the loveseat once again.