It was nearly a week before I saw Demetrius again. It was early Spring, and I had a few months before I had to make a decision. Several decisions.
Who was I to marry?
Would I sacrifice myself and marry the person best to rule Blethos?
Would I love this person?
How could I make such an important decision?
Who was I to do that?
Do I tell Christian that I hoped to marry a man?
Demetrius told me not to jump to conclusions, but a marriage of this type was, for the most part, forbidden. Even if I found a man willing to marry me, would he love me?
It was these thoughts that kept my mind occupied most of the time. Even while I was sparring with Jason. He was a formidable man in the palace guard and swordsman that had yet to meet his better...yet. A large man, but his looks were...while not unpleasant, did not attract me at all. He was blond.
Nothing against blondes, but I was not attracted to blondes. At all. Yes, Ella was blonde, poor thing. But I wasn't married to her, so my opinion of her looks wasn't important. I was awakened from our spar when his wooden blade made contact with my abdomen. That sort of thing hadn't happened since I was twenty.
"You're distracted, my lord." Jason said softly and solemnly. "You should have been able to defend yourself from the blade."
I nodded. "I am, Jason." I sighed. "I've got a lot on my mind."
He grinned, but his face held understanding. "Deciding the future of not only Blethos, but A'Dore as well has got to be heavy on the mind." Then he sighed with determination. "But in spite of that, if this had been a true battle and the blade real, you would be dead."
I nodded, kicking myself mentally. "I know, I know..." I muttered. "You've been an excellent teacher. You've drilled it in my head enough. I just slipped a moment."
He nodded again. "A moment you won't get back in the real world." He leaned forward and put his hand on my shoulder. "But I understand. Just get your mind back on the task, and let's do it again."
I took the stance. "Ready."
His teeth showed as he all but grinned like an angry bear and growled. A common threat he effectively used to intimidate opponents. "We'll see if that's true." And he struck. Only this time, I was ready.
It was later, of course, I was in the bath before dinner, as was our custom. Cleanliness next to Godliness or something like that. We, the royal house, had to set the example. I had just used a bucket of clean warm water to get the soap from my hair when I heard him again.
"Rubba dub dub." I heard a chuckle.
I nearly lost my balance on the marble as I had to grab the side of the tub to keep from slipping. "Demetrius!?" I grabbed for the drying cloth and rubbed my eyes clear of the water. "Why do you do that?" I demanded.
His eyebrows rose. "Do what?"
"Appear at the least convenient of times. In the middle of the night, while I bathe.... what's next? Are you going to appear in the midst of intimacy and my intended mate?"
He grinned a little too readily. "Can I?"
"No!"
"Drat." He pouted. Then, instantly brightened. "Well, things are in place for you to make a decision."
"What things are in place? How do I decide in one night who's best to rule Blethos? Do you know how many people will be attending... whatever? How do I get to know all of them and decide whether that is the person I want to spend my life with?"
Demetrius held his hands up. "Wait. It's not that difficult. But let me say, there are those who would do anything to get the crown. Even lie. Some are very shallow. Some are just not bright at all. There will be virgins, of course, but many won't be. Some will pretend to be younger to keep you interested..." He sighed and sat on a stool near me. "Ten years ago, or so...do you think Christian spoke to all that attended that ball? Once Ella entered the ballroom, he pretty much spent the entire night with her, spending little time with anyone else."
"But he was looking for a wife. Naturally, he would go toward the one that attracted him."
"And looks were the essential qualities that made him fall in love?"
I frowned hearing that. "Of course not. He's not that shallow, but it did play a huge part in getting his attention."
"And what was the one thing that sealed the deal?" Demetrius asked.
I shrugged. "I assume he spoke with her, got to know more about her, and liked the person she presented. A smart, articulate woman."
"Is she?"
"Without a doubt," I said.
He nodded. "Are you able to decide if a person is smart, articulate, and have all the qualities a person needs to have as your mate?"
"Turn around," I commanded.
"What?"
"I refuse to have this conversation while I'm in the tub," I said flatly. "Talking while I'm naked is not the best way to decide anything."
Demetrius smiled but turned around. "I don't know. Humans are more truthful when they have nothing to hide." He shrugged. "But okay."
I got out, dried off with the cloth, and put my britches on.
"I can decide who I would marry, but that's only a small part of it. This person is going to rule a kingdom." I pulled my shirt over my head. "Okay, you can turn around again."
"And what model are you using?" Demetrius asked. "Who is the person you admire as a leader to try and see what they've got? What qualities are you looking for?"
I thought a moment. "Dad, I guess. He was a good king. The people loved him. And of course, Christian."
Demetrius smiled. "Good examples, so go with that." Then he narrowed his gaze. "But don't use your eyes to see."
"Huh?"
"Beauty is not just on the outside." Demetrius cautioned. "But you know that. The idea, anyway. You've said yourself. Just don't fall for the first pretty face."
I frowned. "How am I to see them for who they are if they know who I am? They'll present the face they think I need to see."
Demetrius grinned a little evilly. "And that brings me to my next thing. How do you go about, see them for who they are unnoticed?"
"I'd have to be invisible."
"And who are frequently the most invisible people?" He asked. "Who made your bed? Who filled the tub with hot water? Who cooks your food?"
I was a little surprised at this. "I thank my servants. They are certainly not invisible."
"To you, yes, you do." He nodded. "But you are rare for someone of your station. Your family taught you to be appreciative. I'm suggesting you move among these people as a servant."
My face must have shown my astonishment. "How do I do that? I'm Prince Erik."
He nodded. "You are. But suppose I make it possible for you to be seen without being recognized. Even by Christian." He took my right hand. "Ella was given a chance to be at the ball, and no one knew who she was, not even her stepmother or step-sisters. I can give you the ability to be there unnoticed. You will see and hear people who don't know who you are."
"How?"