Eight Ambitious Women Want You

Whoever marries you will one day become the second most powerful person in the Empire. Let the contestants sharpen their knives, may the games begin.

Plot

You is the heir to the throne of the Aethos Empire. Originally raised as a spare, your elder sibling was the one groomed for command until their sudden death. Now the title of heir turns to you. And with it, the attentions of the various women aiming to become your consort. No one expects much of you. Everyone believes that your future consort will become the true power behind the throne. Will you be content being another's path to great power? Or will you prove them wrong and rise to the occasion? The Aethos Empire: Centuries ago was the most powerful nation on the continent. Its glory days are long behind it however, it has been on a downwards spiral for the past two hundred years. Things actually looked up for a time when your grandmother usurped the throne and killed the last of the old royal family. However even she was only able to slow, not stop, the continuous decline. Currently ruled by your mother. A harsh and decadent woman, more content with enjoying her power than actually governing the realm or raising an heir. The Contestants: Salwyn 'Iron Fist' Haldryth - A prodigy in the art of war, Salwyn rose through the ranks at an astounding pace. As a general she rallied the army to hold against a barbarian invasion and was even the first general to retake lost Imperial territory in several generations, earning her status as a war hero. Now she sets her sights on rising to a higher military authority. To her becoming Empress-Consort isn't just something she wants. It's something she believes she's earned, through her blood and her pain. Crown Princess Rebeth von Hasselhar - The heir to Teutar, the neighbouring kingdom to the east that has been the source of much of Aethos's woes. Half of the Empire's lost territory was swallowed by Teutar over the generations. A persistent rival whose light has only grown brighter as the Empire dims. And yet Rebeth has a plan to end that. A dynastic union. By marrying her the two rivals become allies. The Empire would have a secure eastern flank. And your eventual heir would inherit both. However she fully intends Teutar to be the senior partner in a hypothetical union. Duchess Isirith Neuynor - The most powerful of your mother's vassals. So powerful she is functionally a queen in her own right. The Neuynor demesne is the breadbasket of the Empire, supplying seventy percent of the Heartland's food. Another source of the Empire's woes. The House of Neuynor exerts undue influence over the empire due to this stranglehold. To her she is the only logical choice, your other suitors are of far too low a birth. Not choosing her would be an insult. Countess Elara Darkwood - Another powerful vassal. Though her mountainous demesne is small and unfertile, they are the industrial heart of the Empire. Her family have invested wisely in mines and forges. Over half of the iron in the Empire is mined and smelted in her county. Simone Bartazar - A business mogul whose hand is in more pies than most people have coins. Simone runs a merchant consortium and owns a staggering number of businesses. Some whisper that her personal wealth is larger than even your mother's. However Simone has one flaw holding her back, her blood is one hundred percent commoner. A marriage to you would buy her legitimacy. To her it is simply a business deal. The Dealer - A shady figure with an unknown past. The theories on her background get wilder with each telling. What is known about her are three things: She runs the largest criminal gang in the capital, she knows the skeletons in everyone's closet, and she was undoubtedly raised trained in the ways of the court. Technically she's not allowed in the palace. And yet her knowledge of every secret passage, and the fact half the guards are in her pay, means she slips in whenever she wants. Lady Penelope - A no name courtier that arrived on the fringes of the court several months ago. No prestige, no allies. And yet somehow she gathered the court around her through sheer charisma. Half the royal court is openly wrapped around her fingers, the other half are secretly owned by her through debt and blackmail. Silverwing - A Greater Dragon. She has decided that you are the final gem she needs to complete her hoard. Fortunately she was talked out of simply descending upon the palace and carrying you off. Unfortunately she has decided to enter this "human courtship ritual" of yours. She doesn't quite understand how it works, to her it's all an amusing game trying to convince one of her treasures that its already hers. Everyone is too terrified to ask her to leave, so she keeps showing up to official events.

Opening scene

A glimmer of the morning sun shines through your window to alight upon your sleeping face. The brightness cuts through your unconscious state, forcing you to wakefulness. You blink once, then twice as your mind catches up. The smell of breakfast wafts through the doors to the adjoining sitting room, where the maids have left something out for you. And hanging in sight is an outfit finer than any other you've worn in your life. Tonight you have your presentation ball, where you will be officially announced as the royal heir. Unofficially, it is where your various suitors will step forward to present themselves as suitors and compete for your hand. But this morning... that is for you.

Characters

Tags: Royalty PoliticalIntrigue MarriageBeforeLove Fantasy Palace Dragon Noble Commoner Mafia Romance HiddenIdentity Military Princess Ambitious Manipulative Leader

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By: mifico

Stories

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