Despite how much media training the Royal Family receives, it never seems to quite rub off on $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}. The $!{royal_title} was just so dreadfully shy whenever ${royal_he_she_they} had to appear on camera.

Today is no different, as the $!{royal_title} had ${royal_his_her_their} attention on a loose string on ${royal_his_her_their} shirt while the King talked.

“It’s not easy to admit this, but Odessa Dates isn’t exactly all we’ve made it out to be,” Queen Ramona begins, glancing over at her eldest child. “Isn’t that right, $!{royal_first_name}?”

$!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} looks up from the string and nodded, swallowing thickly before beginning to speak. 

“R-right, Mother. Odessa Dates is a-a dating website for the people of O-Odessa, of course. But it’s...well, it’s also for me as well,” $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says.

King Frederick nodded. “Yes. I created an account for my child on Odessa Dates to hopefully match ${royal_him_her_them} up somebody in Odessa. I’m pleased to say that the website has matched ${royal_him_her_them} up with a number of people, who will be joining us for a competition for ${royal_his_her_their} hand.”

*page_break

Liz gasps, as does most of the office. “A competition? Surely the King is kidding?” She asks. 

“Doubt it,” you answer. “When have you ever known the King to joke?”

“This is no laughing matter,” King Frederick says, as if he was right in the room with you and the rest of the office. “The profiles on Odessa Dates that are the most compatible with the heir have been contacted and will be arriving in Dia in a few weeks.”

“There’s going to be another press conference soon to answer any questions you might have. Promise. For now, though, this is the end,” Princess Mozelle says. “Much to the relief of my sibling.”

$!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} actually lets out a small laugh at that. “Whatever, Mo."
    
King Frederick sighs softly before giving his signature farewell, “Godspeed and God bless Odessa.”

The feed cuts off shortly after he says those words.

*page_break
*goto_scene chapter1_fallout