"Seriously? You dare to stand there and ask for my hand in marriage with those hideous earlobes? Next!" Prince Valerian exclaimed, dismissing another suitor with an elegant wave of his hand. The entire crowd groaned in unison—again—as yet another candidate was rejected. It was a miracle any remained at all.

The queue stretched through the entire castle; people from near and far had come to attempt to wed the prince of rare beauty, whose looks could topple empires. And yet, none were good enough for the haughty prince, who propped up his head in boredom as he invented yet another reason to reject each candidate.

Hours had passed, and yet none of his comments had repeated themselves.

The usually dutiful crown princess struggled to stay awake, while the queen had retreated into one of her favorite books. The king gripped the armrests of his throne, another vein pulsing on his forehead with each rejection.

"Enough! What have I done wrong in your education, you damn brat?! You have rejected hundreds of suitors!" the king finally exploded, his patience snapped.

Valerian appeared less than impressed by his father's outburst, examining his manicured nails as he rolled his eyes.

His father now stood, further enraged by his son's insolence and disinterest. "You damn... You shall learn your lesson, Valerian! I have indulged you far too long. Whoever passes through that wretched door next—" he pointed at the huge oak door that led to the hallway, "—shall wed you, whether they—or you—like it or not!"

Just then, the door creaked open and someone stepped inside. Valerian eyed the intruder with disdain. "You cannot be serious, Father. This... thing is hardly worth even a dismissive glance, let alone my precious hand in—" However, his father interrupted him.

"Silence! It has been decided! You shall marry them!"

Valerian stood in shock, his mouth opening and closing like a gasping fish as his face, too, reddened with anger.