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“Jia, we need to find a husband for you.  Someone who can help you rule the throne.”

Jia sighed.  She was tired of her parents telling her this.

“And I’m serious this time.  We’ve chosen some princes from neighboring kingdoms for you to meet.”

“But Appa-”

“No buts.  You’ll meet a few of them soon.  And remember.  You have to choose one of them.”

Jia sighed again.  It appeared there was no way out of this.  But she’d try one more time.

“Why can’t I rule on my own?”

“Jia,” her father bent a stern look on her. “You know why.  A woman can’t rule a kingdom on her own.  You know full well that if you had a brother the throne wouldn’t even be yours.”

Jia drew in a deep breath and nodded. “I know.” But she would never understand why.

——————–

“Eomma, why can’t I at least choose some guy who’s not a prince?”

“You know why.  They wouldn’t have enough experience to help you rule a kingdom.”

“But kings aren’t required to take princesses as their wives!”

Her mother nodded. “I know.  But men are the ones that are in charge, and you need to understand that.  You won’t get anywhere thinking women have any power over men.”

Jia shook her head.

“Besides, you need to head to bed now.  You have to get up early for your studies tomorrow so you can spend the afternoon preparing to meet the princes.”

“All right…goodnight, eomma.” Jia dragged her feet out the door and to her quarters.  She just wished things were different.

——————–

“Hello, my princess.  You are quite beautiful.  Just like this kingdom,” Hajun, or was it Hajin, commented, gesturing to the vast city before them.

Jia simply hummed in response.

Hajun/Hajin turned to her. “You’re quiet too, I like that.” He brushed her jaw with his finger.

But Jia slapped it away. “Just know you’re definitely not on my list for when I choose a husband.” She responded bluffly before stomping off the balcony.

——————–

 “My name is Jiho, my princess.” The second prince introduced himself, taking her hand gently and kissing it. “I’m the third prince of Daegu.  It’s lovely to meet you.” He grinned at her.  But she could tell it was fake.

She nodded.  At least he had the decency to act polite.

“A pleasure to meet you, Jiho.” She blew out a long breath.  She felt uncomfortable this time.  Both her parents and his large entourage were watching, so she couldn’t exactly reject him.  And part of her wondered if he knew her mysterious bean bun hwarang. “I hope we will see more of each other.