Chapter 47 – Selecting a Family
*** Princess, Next Day ***
When I woke up this morning, I got a little note from the Queen—just three words: 'I'll be there.' It was a little worrying. My party isn't really fit for a Queen; it was made for a future Queen. I'll have to trust that she won't be there long, just at the end; otherwise, things may get a little awkward. The only thing to worry about was what reason did my Mother have to barge into my announcement?
The party starts a little after lunch. Most of the girls who will try to get a job as my maid or marry me will try talking to me before dinner. Dinner is the official announcement, followed by some dancing. It should be a good night as long as I get some good women asking to marry me and work for my house. I've had plenty of interest, so I don't need to worry about that. The worst will be the men. I won't have a man or herm to show at my side, yet I'll be denying them all. Laws dictate only one dick per family; not even the Queen can break that one. The heavens demand it.
"Your Highness, we've finished the make-up. Are you ready for the shoes?" My headmaid asks. She's already requested to follow me after my bid. Most of my current maids will continue to serve me after. The new ones will be to serve my wives and concubines and take care of any kids Alzi gives the family.
"Yes," I respond, giving myself a once-over before standing. My tight, deep red dress shows off my every curve and makes my bust a bit bigger. Not that I need that much help. Only the Duchess's, my older sisters', and the Queen's are bigger. Well, there is countess Esmeralda, but that old vampire doesn't count. My golden blonde hair is in an intricate bun with a golden hairpin, and I wear a simple silver necklace to draw attention to my cleavage.
The maid brought over the seven-inch heels with an inch-and-a-half platform. Nobles have all agreed that any larger is just stupid, though there are rumors that Alzi can go bigger, something to show off when I get her by my side. I walk over to my couch so the maid can put them on me. The heels use just a few straps to keep them in place, letting me show off as much skin as I can.
"Your Highness, would you like earrings?"
"Yes, gold. I have enough silver." The maid picks out small, dangling earrings in the shape of a sword.
"Everything is set. Are you ready for your entrance?"
"Has everyone arrived?"
"Yes, just your mother is absent."
"That is expected. Come on, let's go."
The party is in one of the many ballrooms on the castle's grounds. It's a smaller one, but the Queens' have spared no expense to make all of them grand over the years. Stained glass windows, golden statues, and a fine red carpet surround the wood dance floor. The largest crystal chandeliers you can find, with beautiful marble columns holding the high roof up, bring awe to all who enter.
I walk carefully down the three floors of my house. Tomorrow, I will be given some property to manage and run my campaign out of and my own castle to live in till I take the throne. Four maids follow, with two guards in full armor. I'm a warrior, so my magic capabilities are limited. In these heels and dresses, I can't really fight; otherwise, the guards would be useless. As they are, the only real use for them is to stall till I can switch my clothing out for the items stored in my nipple piercing. Normal rings are too easy to lose or get stolen. Other common piercings are tongue and belly rings. A few girls even get as bold as to pierce their clit. They swear it makes sex better, but I'll let them be delusional.
I have a short walk across the lawn to get to the ballroom hall. The building holds four different ballrooms, and the main castle holds two more. The grand ballroom and the main ballroom. Only the Queen can hold events in the grand ballroom, and you need her approval to get something in the main ballroom. I was thinking about using the main ballroom, but it would be a little too bold. Holding a party to announce my goal to replace the Queen in her home is a bit much.
We make it through the great gold-plated doors and stop in front of the ballroom doors. I wait for the attendant to single they've announced me and then walk in, all eyes on me in my beautiful red dress and stunning heels. The chandelier's light reflects off my white skin, blonde hair, and silver jewelry, giving me a glowing appearance as I greet those who are showing support for my bid. Lots of young women aiming for a spot besides me as I make my final climb. They give a respectful clap as I make it to the middle of the room. I give a little twirl, soaking in the attention. I'm fighting for them, to make their lives better. To protect our lands and people.
"Welcome all! I'm extremely happy to welcome you all to this party. I know some have traveled far to be here and made many sacrifices for me on my journey to this moment. Today is a great celebration, and we look to the future. Please get to know one another for the next few hours before the dinner. After dinner, we can all let loose and have some fun!" I shout out. Everyone knows what this party is for, but you have to pretend from the beginning. A silly tradition from when you didn't need so much support to just start a bid for the throne. Just needed a man and a single family, even just a baroness, to make an aim. Simpler times.
The crowd gives a little cheer and gets back to mingling. I continue my trip to the far side of the ballroom. The young girls take a peek at me as I pass. Elves, humans, beasts, and even a few dwarfs are in the crowd. I think I spot a demon tail hiding in the back, likely the wife of one of the nobles. They don't like crowds without a family to back them. Just like vampires, they've been hunted a lot, causing them to take a lot of precautions when interacting with the public.
I make it to the far side and turn around. My maids and guards quickly get behind me. A small line of girls and a few unfortunate guys have already formed and continue to get bigger. Each will only have a minute or so to catch my eye. They'll have more chances; those looking to serve will be able to petition those I select to marry for a maid job as well. For some, this will be their last chance for marriage; their family already has a backup deal with another family to make them a maid.
I smile at the first girl, inviting her to give me her pitch. A small wood elf with red hair is likely the only trait she has of her Mother, who is likely a beast kin. They always have strange hair colors.
"I'm happy to meet you, your Highness. I'm Sextia Iuvenlis," the girl says with a small bow. "I'm a dark mage working on my second class. I would love to work for you as a maid or hidden guard."
Because the girls may give some private information, a sound barrier has already been put in place. If the girl moves to my left, they have been accepted; the right is denied for now. If they move behind my maids they are a work, in front a wife. I direct this elf to my left. Dark magic is rare and important. Even a weak girl like her is a must. I'll have to focus on getting her stronger so she can help me as an assassin or for hidden protection. She knows she can't be a wife yet but won't be passed up as a servant. Hence the shit sales pitch.
She happily makes her way behind my maids as I invite the next woman up. The long line is filled with nervous bodies, knowing that each time a girl goes to the left, their chances of the following decrease. I plan to walk away with four or five wives and twenty servants. I wouldn't say no to more, but I'll need to earn more money quickly if I do. Gold is always the most important resource after food.
The next is a dryad. Hopefully, she is aiming to be a maid. She'll serve Alzi well. Those from nature always help women with high fertility grow, and I believe Alzi has the highest fertility after the Goddess.
"Hello, Your Highness. I'm Annoris. As you can imagine, I have a natural affinity. I'm here to help your house soar. I would love to be one of your important wives' maids. Help..."
"Left. Thank you for coming I have just the girl in mind. It will take a few months before I get her, but I think you'll love her."
She gives a small bow with a smug smile before heading off to join Sextia. She earned it. I think she knows she'll be made a concubine once I've gained some more ground. The next follows up quickly. The next few are women who were likely forced to come up here. They are still working on their first class with a common affinity. My parents just want me to hear their last names, so I remember their support. Following that group comes a strange pair.
A mother and daughter. I would say the Mother is past her prime, but she has a strange aura around her. Her daughter has it as well, just overshadowed by her Mother. They both get in a deep bow when they reach me.
"Your Highness, I'm Aurora Grimsbane, second wife to Fortuna Grimsbane. This is my first daughter, Shyla. I'm prepared to divorce my wife and have us join you as maids. I've heard a rumor you'll have a herm join you, one with breeder classes. I think you can feel our aura. We can help with keeping her sexually satisfied when she joins," The older woman says, still in a deep bow. Her daughter raises her head and looks at me with a small smile.
"Our aura is very beneficial to those that have breeder classes and those that are having sex with a breeder class. My Mother's has been going to waste all these years. We would prefer to make it useful. Please allow us to support you," Shyla follows.
"Come with me." I walk a little to the left; I can see the fear in the eyes of those in line. The Mother follows quickly, knowing what I want from her. I give her a quick look, and she opens her mouth.
"I hear my divorce my wife Fotuman Grimsbane to serve in Her Highness's house," she shouts, looking me straight in the eyes. I look out and spot her wife. She seems a little sad but gives me a nod. If their aura is as useful as they say, I'll have to send some extra benefits her way.
"Join behind the maids,"
"Thank you," they say together.
The next hour is main duds, a few servants, but nothing special till a short human with true golden hair comes up. She's already pregnant. I could use some children.
"Hello, Your Highness. I'm Isda. I've got a household affinity. I'm looking to be the wife that manages your household while you are away or busy. I know you likely have a trusted maid, but a wife is always more secure. I'm bringing in a few kids from a powerful nature affinity. Five is how much the priestess has told me. I can't fight, but I can promise you an orderly household, so you only need to worry about the outside."
"Describe who got you pregnant."
"A rainbow dragon. Large chest and a lot of mana. A b..."
"brothel whore. Yes, I know of her. Get over here. closer." I wrap her in a hug to smell her hair. Did a human mother give birth to an angel? Fuck, this bitch has already gotten pregnant by my future seed. My first wife of the night. I force her head back with my pointer finger and give her a sweet kiss on the lips. Nothing long, just enough to let her know where to go.
The girls and guys look at my kiss with a burning passion. They want that kiss; they want that spot. Even the girls looking to be my servants hope they can sneak a little kiss in. Too bad only a few more girls will be getting it tonight. The servants will likely get some kisses later. You've got to show them some love for their loyalty.
Another dry spell. I also get my first male in this batch. I let them introduce themselves but quickly have them go to my right, making the three guys still in line look hopeful, not knowing they'll get the same treatment. Each servant girl I pass up looks at my fiancée with hope in her eyes. One girl, a math mage, gets chosen as I had planned.
I try to speed up a little so dinner won't be too late.
...
Finally, I got to the last girl. A time mage who I immediately promise to marry and give a sigh of relief. Meeting so many people in a row is tiresome. I ended up with 5 wives. Household mage, time mage, another physical enhancement who is a paladin, a death elemental mage, and a mind mage. I'll have seven wives in total; I've already promised two of my party members marriages. Another sword fighter and a wind mage. A good core fighter group and important support positions. I have twenty-one servants, with each of my future wives getting a servant of their own. A good start, I have some catching up to do, but these girls have the drive to put in the needed work.