My name is Ema Binttercy, and I live on the outskirts of the Watezen Palace. Our kingdom is thriving and picturesque, thanks to my father, or so he always claims. My father is a significant figure in the realm, Duke Castiel Binttercy, owner of the most beautiful vineyards in the region.

My life is quite delightful, except for the part where I'm expected to marry, of course. Lately, my parents have been pressing me on this minor detail of my life, perhaps because of my age. It's been several months since I came of age, and not a single gentleman has presented himself for courtship. Well, in truth, some have indeed come forward, but none caught my eye. I'm aware of the reputation of most, and I can assure you it's not one to be desired.

Papa always says he won't sell me off like most families here do when their daughters turn seventeen. The parents choose whom she will wed, typically older gentlemen with substantial wealth to benefit the girl's family. Thank God my parents are different. But don't think it's an easy task to find someone to my liking; everyone is interested in my inheritance, so I'd rather remain single.

As usual, I dress and descend for our family breakfast. My parents are already at the table, as are my sisters, Helionor and Clenir, the twins who are two years younger than me.

"Good morning," I say while descending the stairs.

"Good morning, my daughter."

"Good morning, sunshine."

After asking for their blessings, I sit down and begin to eat.

"So, my daughter, how was your night?" asks Papa.

"It was ordinary, Papa."

"Hmm, I see. Perhaps you should come with me to the castle today."

"For what?"

"Well, I..."

"Are you going to the castle, Papa?" Clenir interrupts him.

"Yes, I am going to address some matters concerning our lands. You may accompany me if you wish, Ema."

"Hmm, no thank you."

"What?! You don’t want to go to the castle, my daughter?"

"No."

"But you always enjoyed accompanying me."

"That was before I knew your real intentions, Papa."

"And what might those be?" he asks with a cynical expression.

"To introduce me to suitors!"

He lets out a long sigh, realizing I’ve uncovered his elaborate schemes.

"My daughter knows she needs a husband!"

"Papa! You said just yesterday you would not pressure me anymore!"

"But my daughter, your father is right; you wouldn't want to end up like your aunt, an old maid!"

"Mama, honestly, that’s an exaggeration!"

"Let her be. If she doesn't want to, I do!" Helionor chimes in.

"Not you, child. It’s not your turn to have suitors. Can you imagine? You’d be scandalized!"

"But it's only two years away!"

"Two years is a long time; your focus now should be on your music studies!"

"I can’t stand being stuck in that room any longer! I want no more lessons."

"Don't be ill-mannered, Helionor! Look at your sister; she also detested the piano, but in time, she became an accomplished pianist," my mother says, looking at me with pride.

"She is her, and I am me; I will never come to like playing that contraption!"

"Where did I go wrong…" Papa laments, resting his head in his hands.

"Don't be like that, Papa!"

"How can I not be? Look around!"

"Alright, you win! I will go to the Palace with you, Papa."

"Excellent! I'll help you choose your dress, my flower," Mama says, standing up, excited.

I know all this drama is just a ploy to make me sympathize and accompany him, but a trip to the Palace won't do me any harm.

Ema Binttercy

"Ouch! Mother's going to pull all my hair out!"

"Sorry, my dear, but your hair can't have a single knot."

"Why all the fuss? I'm just going for a stroll, not to my wedding!"

"Don't you give me that tone, young lady!" she said, thwacking my head with the brush.

"Ow! Sorry..."

"There, now let's pick an outfit for you."

"Mother, please, you're making it seem like I'm a servant! I can choose my own clothes, thank you."

"But daughter, you must select a dress that accentuates your beauty."

"Yes, ma'am, I will," I said, pushing her out of my room.

"One with a corset to highlight your figure!"

"Mother!"

I closed the door and sighed in relief. Unlike most households around, we're against having maids; we find it unnecessary to have someone dress us, bathe us, and even cook our meals. So, we have only a few housemaids to clean the house, and our gardener. The cooking is done by mother—she won't let anyone touch her utensils. We're considered a 'peculiar' family around here.

I descended the stairs, ready at last, and saw my father at the door waiting for me.

"You look beautiful, my sunshine. Now let's go; we're already late."

"Yes, Father."

I bade farewell to my mother and sisters and stepped into the carriage.

"Is everything alright, daughter?"

In the carriage, he asked, noticing my discomfort.

"Yes, I'm fine, just... tired."

"Tired?"

"Sometimes obligations can be suffocating."

"Oh, my sunshine, forgive me. I know I promised not to pressure you anymore, but I'm trying."

"I'm sorry, but you are failing quite miserably."

"Ha, do you understand it's for your own good? We're just worried about your future. The other girls are getting married, and you..."

"The other girls are marrying old, aggressive men, whom they barely know."

"I know, and that's exactly why I'm against choosing your suitors. But you are very picky, young lady!"

"Father, the gentlemen that court me are all repulsive, and their reputations are the worst imaginable."

"Yes, I understand... Now, cheer up."

He handed me a beautiful bouquet of white lilies.

"My favorites!"

"Yes, I know."

"Thank you, Father!" I stretched out my lips to kiss his cheek.

"You're welcome."

The ride to the Palace was peaceful; we talked a lot about the vineyards, the harvest, and expenses. Despite not having a male heir, Father is determined to pass all his assets to me, all under the scrutinizing gazes of other dukes who think it foolish to hand the kingdom’s prime capital to a naive girl who will surely destroy everything within months due to lack of knowledge.

Little do they know, I study finance every day, learning about grapes and wines. My father is an excellent teacher, educating me in secret, not mentioning to a soul so that when I inherit his lands, I can shut them all up and impress them with what I know.

At last, we arrived at the Palace. As I stepped down from the carriage, my legs trembled and ached from the lack of circulation. We were led to the king's chamber, and as soon as he saw us, he rushed over to greet us. We bowed to him to show our respect.

"Hello, my friend, how are you?"

"Hello, my king. I am well."

"My God! Is this little Emma?"

The king and my father had grown up together; they were childhood friends, and my father named him my godfather out of this friendship.

"Hello, Uncle Garden, how are you?"

"I'm doing well, my little one. How you've grown!"

"Thank you. You look younger by the day."

"Oh, how I wish that were true."

"Darling, what do you say to a stroll in the garden while we discuss some urgent matters?"

"Of course, Papa."

"I'll join you!"

called out Denis, leaning against the doorframe.

"Denis!"

I ran and nestled into his arms.

Denis, the king's son, was the prince and sole heir to the throne. We didn't grow up together, but soon we were in the garden, beginning our conversation.

"It's been ages since we last saw each other, Emma!"

"Indeed. If I recall, the last time was at my coming-of-age birthday."

"Yes, it was a lovely party."

"Little did I know what awaited me after that."

"Are you troubled?"

"No, it's just the pressure they put on me."

"I understand. My parents are already searching for a future queen. At least you will have a choice in choosing your husband."

"You're right. I'm ungrateful. But don't be downhearted. I've heard it can take years to find a princess worthy enough."

"True. I still have some years to enjoy, thankfully."

Noticing he seemed saddened by the topic, I shifted the conversation.

"The garden grows more colorful every day!"

"Yes, but this isn't your favorite part. Come with me."

He led me to a section of the garden dedicated to lilies.

"Wow, it's beautiful!"

"Have you seen the pink ones? They're so vibrant."

This part of the garden was a birthday gift for my tenth birthday. Denis had it built in the castle with my favorite flowers.

"You know I had this garden planted so I could be closer to you, right?"

"You were quite the charmer!"

"Ha, I still am, little one. And you're still the girl who chased after me, climbing trees and stealing my biscuits."

"Please, Denis, I've grown up!"

"You’re right, you’ve matured and become even more beautiful."

I'm used to Denis's manner, but sometimes I can't help blushing at his advances.

"Denis!"

"It's true what they say."

"About what?"

"They claim you've inherited all the beauty of the Binttercy lineage, specifically from your great-grandmother. Some even say you're her reincarnation."

"Really?! That's absurd."

"But it's true. You're the spitting image of her."

"Have you seen a picture of my great-grandmother, Denis?"

"Yes, there’s a portrait of her in the library. Haven't you seen it?"

"No, the library is for family only."

"But you are family, Emma!"

"I know. But let's face it, a library isn't the most appealing place to a child."

"Come, I'll show you."

We walked toward the library.