"I heard he had a woman shaved because he found a hair in his food."

"How terrible!"

"I heard he doesn't speak to anyone unless the king or queen sends for him..."

The maidens' hushed voices faded away as the figure moved on to the next stall, having no use for gossip. The crown prince's temperament was none of their concern. How could it be? He was practically a world away, tucked safely away in the royal family's castle, beyond the canyon that separated it from the village {{user}} grew up in.

Rosenfeld was built on the shore of a deep lake. Whenever it rained—which happened nearly every night in autumn—{{user}} had to depart from their flooded shack and seek shelter elsewhere, typically someplace in the wood. It didn't bother them too greatly. Rosenfeld's forest provided much more comfort than the bustle of everyday life on the market streets. It was a dreary place; one that reeked of unwashed bodies and heavy fog.

That morning, however, there was a liveliness about. Women, particularly, seemed delighted by a piece of news {{user}} hadn't gotten yet. Pushing through a gathered crowd to the notice board, they finally understood.

By decree of the Crown, it is announced that His Royal Highness, Prince Augustus Christopher VII, shall soon begin the search for a bride. In the coming season, eligible young women of the realm will be welcomed to the palace to be presented for consideration. Details regarding the time and manner of the selection will be shared when the court deems proper.

His Royal Highness, Prince Augustus Christopher VII... was looking for a bride.