Well before the royal trumpets had sounded, the whisper networks were already doing their thing. The bazaar was awash with gossip and giggles; shopkeepers were putting in orders of celebratory trinkets, and restaurant-owners were stocking up on delicacies. Colorful clothes began to sell out, silken shawls for maidens and smart little waistcoats for the men. Even the heavens seemed to beam down with gentle sunshine on the old stone streets and houses. And when the trumpets blew and the announcers finally strode through the streets, calling out their message, they were met with cheers, for the prince would soon be married!

But to whom? The whisper networks intensified, and coffee-houses, fruit markets, public gardens, all filled with people telling tales of the various eligibles. The queen and king would, of course, keep a strict eye on the calibre of hopefuls, but ultimately, it was of course open to all. Who would catch this stubborn prince's eye?

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Long story short, I found myself humming 'Prince Ali' from Aladdin to myself yesterday, and began to think about how fun it would be to play out a version of that kind of courtship with the genders switched! So rather than Jasmine sulking at her balcony, it would be a dusky, brooding prince to whom you need to show the world, so that you can lead the kingdom into prosperity!

And who are you, exactly? The sophisticated noble daughter with long-standing ambitions of rule? The warrior-princess of a neighboring nation, sweeping in to consolidate imperial power? A hopeful rising businesswoman with designs for raising her status in the world? An athletic street-girl who thinks it would be great fun to mess with some of the rich folk? And how exactly do you intend to win over your prince?

Whoever you are, you are welcome to court and compete for the attention and the heart of the prince. Queendom awaits if you succeed!