“How soon? Clearly you have a timeline in mind. When do I need to be married and relieve you of the throne?” Prince Lucas waited on bated breath for their answer.
“One year,” the queen said after a long pause. “Sooner if possible, but ideally, one year. Otherwise, the crown goes to your cousin Nathaniel, who’s already married. Parliament won’t let you become king until you’re married. Otherwise, you forfeit the throne.”
“I love how my life has become an ultimatum,” the prince mumbled, and his mother looked at him with pity.
“I know, sweetheart. We thought we would be able to avoid this in hopes you would have married by now but since it hasn’t happened, we had to have this conversation whether you like it or not.” His mother smiled at him again, but he wasn’t feeling very cheerful.
“Ok
