1.- TUA
It was a year whose number need not be mentioned, but we should know that our story begins with a dark blue carriage, with a silver engraved parasol on its doors, passing through the Fintan mountains.
Β The wheels of the carriage rolled swiftly, the horses running swiftly and from within the carriage the movement could be felt and every hole present in the road caused its sole occupant to give little hops on the seat.
"Hey Seren, slow down or you'll upset the horses!"
"I'm sorry sir, but I can't slow down! His father wants him at the castle today!"
"Then let him learn to wait!"
All he got was Seren, the coachman, to increase his speed.
Five sighed, wishing he had convinced his father to let him stay in Draco's kingdom for the night, but well, it was part of having a strict father.
He'd spent all week meeting suitors. He was a sincere creep. Many were handsome, true, but none had captivated him, for they didn't speak properly or eat with the decency of a troll, or else they thought maidens were very, very submissive, which was not Five's cup of tea.
He was anxious to get home, knowing that there were no new suitors to bother him. But if Seren kept up that pace, he wouldn't get there in one piece.
"HEY SEREN! MORE...!" He fell silent as he felt the coachman stop. They had arrived at the castle and he was not even aware of it.
A hand was extended to him to get down from the carriage, which he refused, as it was wrapped in a black glove that would surely be freezing cold.Β
He entered the imposing castle of the Umbrella kingdom and was assaulted by his sister as soon as he set foot in the foyer.
"Father had a visitor today, he's a prince!" Vanya looked excited, her cheeks were red and her hair was in disarray, surely she had run around looking for someone to tell him the news.
"Oh, yes?"
"Yes!"
One of the maids came to remove the heavy coat from her shoulders and another one accompanied them to the living room and began to stoke the fire in the fireplace.
"Then, please tell me the real reason for your visit". They heard their father's voice coming from a different, but nearby room.
"I am Prince Gilbert of Avonlea, a kingdom so far away that I will not even mention the length of my journey. The beauty of the maiden of this kingdom has made itself known everywhere humans can communicate, I must say that it has deeply captivated me and I have come expressly to announce that I intend to initiate courtship".Β The other man's voice was heard. Five rolled his eyes with a half smile, he was saying the same as everyone else, but this one was sure and confident.
"What makes you think my son would agree to be courted by you?"Β Vanya nodded at this, Five was very demanding.
"I guess the fact that I have manners and I don't want to brag, but a great intelligence". Five snorted. Who did he think he was?
"You must meet him first, I am not aware if he has arrived yet, wait, I will ask." His father's bell rang and soon the maid's footsteps were heard. They heard the question 'Has he arrived yet?' and the answer 'Yes sir, he is in the next room' and then the command 'Bring him in'.Β
The maid, a young blonde-haired, brown-eyed girl, appeared at the door and said:
"Prince Five, your father requires your presence in the next room".
He nodded and looked at Vanya, who gave him an encouraging smile. Then he walked to where his father was. As soon as he entered, his father and the man stood up.Β
"Five, this is..."
"With your permission, sir, I think I'd better do it myself".
Interesting, usually, everyone let their father introduce them, apparently, he wanted to make a difference.
He approached and bowed.
"Prince Gilbert, of Avonlea, it is an honor to meet you".
Five smiled when the prince decided to rise without taking her hand to kiss it.
"Prince Five, it is an honor".
He saw his father smile out of the corner of his eye, how could he not? This was the first prince he had not just called by his first name.
"Sit down, both of you".
So they did, they sat facing each other and Sir Reginald spoke.
"Prince Gilbert is here because...."
"I want to meet you, Prince Five, and begin to court you".
"Well, Prince Gilbert, I must make it very clear to you that I am not a person you wish to be related to". He felt his back straining.
"Let me make one point very clear, I don't want to infringe on your pride. What I want is for you to feel comfortable with me and then I want you to fall in love with me".
"You make it sound so easy".
"I'm told you appreciate trust".Β Five avoided the urge to smile, for the man was very well-informed.
"In that case, I hope you have the confidence and determination to succeed, prince".