Reverse Harem

"My rules," Cathlinn stood from the curtsey, trying to hide the grimace, "Is that you be yourselves with no formalities and to accept each other for what you are. There's no reason to be tense and overly formal. I understand this is a bit on the messed up side but this is the only time allotted by Queen Asha."

"Why is the king of savages here," one asked her. She frowned and sat herself back down slowly, tapping at the table.

"The same reason you are," she replied. "And so far in my eyes, he's already proven better than you." That irked the red head as he glared at Istvan.

"Is there a reason you wished to meet us outside of looking at our benefits," Cathlinn stared at a black haired, dark skinned man and pushed a smile to her face.

"Love is a choice and I'm not going to give mine freely," she stated bluntly. "So as it stands, I'm selecting you and not the other way around." Romano stepped from behind them, walking forward with the sly grin he constantly wore.

"Dearest Cathlinn, it's so good to see you better," he cooed. He took her hands and kissed her knuckles, his eyes cold as he glanced behind him. "I hope this doesn't wear you down too much."

"Luis," Cathlinn sighed and shook her head, "You know as much as I do these sorts of things are stupidly tiring." The others slowly took their seats and Cathlinn glanced to Mei at the door. She was sizing them up, her hands innocently behind her back as she stared with a sweet smile. There was a long awkward silence and Cathlinn shifted as she stared at Istvan's letter. It was saying he'd be here before his own ambassadors were and she rubbed her head. How did he get roped into this?

"Your highness," Istvan smirked, "You seem to be at a loss for words." She stared up at him and she frowned, pointing to his hawk and waving her finger.

"A message much earlier would have been nice," she snorted. "You didn't have to get roped into this fiasco."

"This isn't a fiasco. We're here for your hand," the black haired man snapped. He took a deep breath and picked at the fruit on the table. "What's a fiasco is that you opened everyone's letter as if you didn't already know us."

"Because I don't," Cathlinn reached up to pet the hawk, stopping as her back felt tight and set her hand down. "I don't know the you that I'd end up seeing in our bed chambers or the you I'd be eating with. It's only fair that I get accustomed to that right?"

"These marriages are all purely political," the red head sniffed. "There's no reason to care about-"

"And if you turn violent on me, I'd do the same and most likely be beheaded or imprisoned," Cathlinn sang. "So it's my way of preserving my life."

"I can vouch for the violence," Istvan chuckled. "You would all have to get used to the trousers as well. On top of being her bitch when she's in a mood." Romano laughed and sat back in his seat, crossing his legs as the other men looked at Istvan in shock.

"Oh my, seems you two got into some interesting events while you were escorting her, Istvan," he hummed.

"As she made it explosive, it's the only way I can define it," Istvan smirked. Cathlinn turned a bit red and cleared her throat as a train of maids walked into the room with platters of food.

"A woman in trousers," one of the quiet ones looked over at Cathlinn with his mouth open, "I'm sorry, but what?"

"They're easier to fight in. A bit looser than what I prefer," Cathlinn muttered.

"Anyways, I believe formal introductions are necessary," a platinum haired, fair skinned man stood up, adjusting a coat that didn't need any adjustments. "I am Fidor Gribowski, your highness. King of Tribaf in the north east."

"What a gentleman," Romano commented. He grinned as Fidor gave an indignant look and Cathlinn rubbed her face. Her chest began squeezing as one by one they introduced themselves, their eyes lighting up with pride as they tried to one up each other.

"It is nice to meet you all. I am Cathlinn- Monique Cathlinn Her-" Cathlinn stood only to stumble, Mei by her in minutes and holding her up.

"You're bleeding again," Mei whispered. Cathlinn grit her teeth and slowly reached around, barely touching her back and hissing at the sudden pain. Why didn't she feel that without the touch.

"Fucking damn it," Cathlinn snarled. The men all blinked and looked at each other save for Romano and Istvan. Cathlinn took a deep breath, forcing herself straight as she tried to take a breath, "Give me a moment. I need to loosen this bull shit."

"Your highness, is there any reason to speak like a sailor," Baston cried.

"Is there any reason not to? Didn't she say this wasn't to be so formal," Romano chuckled. Cathlinn was lead into the closet, the door being shut behind Mei as the woman sighed.

"I've never seen so many good looking men in one room," she muttered.

"They're all acting pompous assholes," Cathlinn muttered. Mei began undoing the dress, humming quietly. "That Fidor guy doesn't seem too bad."

"From What Simon tells me, he's the farthest country you're allies with," Mei nodded. "I know their country and it's small and secluded. They're one of the few with alliances with Albadon as well."

"He didn't react," Cathlinn nodded. She blinked when the corset and dress were taken off of her. "Mei, What are you doing?"

"It's covered in blood. I'm putting something else on you," she replied. She pulled over a bag with sewn in flowers and trees, pulling out a long, thin dress. "And it'll be better for your back." Cathlinn didn't get a chance to protest, the Chinese styled gown being buttoned around her after her bandages were checked.

Mei stared and smiled softly before pulling Cathlinn's hair from the up-do it had been in, "I'm glad it fits."

"Enemy countries, Mei," Cathlinn glared at her and she giggled.

"But it suits you very well, even with the slit," she hummed. Cathlinn glanced down at her leg and frowned a bit before sliding her shoes off.

"I used to love wearing these," she muttered, "I've just never actually worn one in public. Do you think it's okay?"

"Are you insecure," Mei asked. "You look great." She pushed the doors open and took Cathlinn's arm with a large grin. "Honestly, I think you would have made a great fan maiden. You have the ferocity of one and it's nostalgic."

"I don't think-"

"First the blade and now this," Romano was inches away from Cathlinn as he leaned to her height. "My, if I didn't know better, I'd say you were trying to make a statement, Cathlinn! It's almost exciting!"

"Romano, I swear to fucking Christ," Cathlinn was suddenly surrounded as she felt their eyes take her in.

"What is the meaning of this," Istvan was the one to speak as he stared. Cathlinn raised her eyebrows as their faces paled.

"Istvan, magic is illegal here," Romano's voice was dark and everyone turned to him as he walked around. "The sweetheart is officially the last to receive the punishment for its usage as she herself put in the appeal. You fine gentleman have the opportunity to take her hand in marriage. As appalling as it is, pay it no mind."

Cathlinn's face was red as her fingers played with the exposed bandages, "It's fine. They tied the corsets too tight. Don't let this put a damper on this already miserable shit show, I would never hear the end of it." Her chest squeezed but she couldn't tear her gaze away from Istvan's unreadable expression. He turned and sat back down, crossing his arms and putting his head back.

"It can't be worse than finding you as I did before," he sighed.