“I’m just going to state the facts, and let you decide. I’m not going to push anyone to do anything they don’t want to do. Is that all right for everybody?” Cecile looked dead serious. So did we all, if I’m being honest. All the laughter from before was gone.

I’d hoped for a lighthearted talk about all of our futures. I’d been a stupid optimist. This was too important.

“State your facts, Cecile. Then we’ll state ours if needs must.” Eileen didn’t even blink.

“All right. As you all know, Gianni here is the prince of Aurora, a small kingdom you and I are living in. He has looked after it since he was 15, after his parents' untimely death. As you also know, Gianni is now 23 and hasn’t yet married or conceived an heir to the kingdom. His younger brother seeks to use this fact to stage a coup, forcing Gianni to either leave the kingdom in his brother’s incapable hands or get married as soon as possible.”

Cecile took a breath and looked at each of us in turn. “These are the facts and the current situation. Gianni needs to find a queen, and now. Eileen, since the exchanges have already begun with you, you are the most likely prospect we have. Besides, we all believe you’d make a strong and capable queen. What say you?”

Eileen turned to August and they whispered furiously for a good minute. I didn’t think the girls would get that close that fast. It made me glad to see they were becoming friends.

Finally they were done and the princess turned directly to the prince. “I save your kingdom for you and in return, I get to study quantum physics, have a garden, and August gets to become a mechanic and live with us. Did I get this right?”

“You have gotten this right.” Gianni answered gravely.

“I agree to those terms-” a “whoop” interrupted her. Gianni and Cecile were hitting each other on the back and laughing happily. But Eileen wasn’t done.

“HOWEVER,” she continued, and everyone settled down. “However, there will be no consummation of the marriage. Our heir will be adopted or decided upon later. I’m not having a baby. I don’t want any children. Is that clear?”

Gianni laughed again. “That’s perfect for me. Not to be rude princess, you’re absolutely lovely, but I would’ve been more inclined if you had a brother.”

An audible gasp came from August, while Eileen smiled. I was a little shocked, too. Cecile seemed to already know. Of course they knew. They were the prince’s confidante after all.

It made sense now. A queen, but not a wife. I finally understood. It was my turn to laugh. “You told us, from the beginning!”

“What!?” the girl said in unison.

“Yes, Gianni was very clear. He wanted a queen, but not a wife. And here I thought you were polyamourous and didn’t want to settle down. How wrong was I. Is there a lucky lover? Does he know?” I was getting excited. I was happy for Eileen, that there wouldn’t be any pressure on her to do things she wouldn’t agree to.

Cecile looked content with the way this conversation had gone. But they needed extra confirmation. “So, you still agree?”

“I-I still agree, yes of course, this is perfect! When do you want the wedding to take place? Or even the engagement ceremony or whatever we’re supposed to do now?”

The remainder of the evening was spent preparing for said ceremony, which would take place 10 days later. I took my leave as soon as possible. I needed a full night’s sleep, in my own bed. And I had work to do on the morrow. I was exhausted anyway.