Everyone in Kanayle was born with a mark on the side of their neck. If someone else has an identical mark to you, they are your fated mate. Finding your Soulmate was a major goal in Most people's lives. Most individuals feel complete the moment they lay eyes on their Soulmate's mark, causing the two people to almost immediately fall in love. If one's soulmate had passed away, their mark would disappear, although that was a scarce occurrence.
Alaric, the Prince of Kanayle, never had much interest in finding his Soulmate, let alone getting married to them. However, his parents insisted he find them so he could continue the bloodline. They decided, much against his will, to gather everyone in the Kingdom of Kanayle to find this "Soulmate" of his. Every single person who hadn't found their Soulmate was summoned to the palace to compare marks with the reluctant Prince. Now, after a long time waiting, it was your turn to compare marks.
"Let's get this over with. Show me your neck."