"When you were a child, were you not weak in arm? Of course you were, we are all born weak. However, that is a question best answered by her, it is not me you are here to speak with."
Penrod cracks a smile. "You have a point." He seems to consider. "Princess Ritalia, would you play a game of chess with me as we talk?"
It's unconventional, but she agrees, and you see no reason to deny his request. So he brings out a table, chessboard and even an additional chair that had all been stowed away in an out of sight corner. Soon the pieces are assembled, and the prince sits across from Ritalia to play.
For the beginning of the game both seem fairly evenly matched, though Penrod seems to be able to make his decisions just a little bit faster.
He begins speaking of his life, how as a child he was sent away from his father to squire for a famous knight. He explains that at only thirteen years old he killed a man by piercing the mans throat with the lance he had been handing to that knight. He says he's killed many men since then, and will likely kill more, and asks her if she could live with that.
"My father has killed many men, and i can live with him as my father, it is no different." He seems satisfied by this answer, and the game continues.
Now both are locked in stalemate, each in a disadvantageous position, but with Penrod having a couple extra pieces. He continues his story, telling the story of his latest wife, the daughter to another Adalbert prince, who's messy childbirth brought him great grief. They then speak of children, Penrod saying that he will need an heir, and how she would feel about birthing and child-rearing. Ritalia's response is awkward and hesitant, but not negative. She's never really given the matter serious thought, but she supposes that she would like to have children one day.
Penrod seems distracted in his gameplay, and makes a serious blunder than leads to Ritalia swiftly capturing his queen and sending him into checkmate. You don't recall ever seeing a defeat so absolute and unexpected, but Penrod accepts his loss gracefully, and puts the board, table and chair all aside. He then kneels and attempts to look Ritalia in the eye. Ritalia manages to avoid his gaze, which brings out a hint of anger in the prince. "You should look at me, i won't have a bride that won't look me in the eye."
Hesitantly, slowly she brings her gaze up to his, and he breathes a sigh of relief. He brings his hands together to cup one of hers, and looks to you as if for permission. Seeing such a small thing as harmless you nod your agreement.
The prince begins to speak in his own language, paying little heed to if you can understand. From what you can gather he is asking her if she finds him ugly to look upon, but she's saying much more than a simple yes or no, probably a mixed answer of some kind. When the brief exchange is concluded he rises to face you, drawing his blade to lay it's tip upon the ground.
"I have decided that i wish to marry this girl. That is my decision. Will you abide it? I will not challenge you if you wish to deny me."
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Topic: Prince: A Royal Suggestion Game (Read 26070 times)