The Path to Glory part 3

       "Let the contest begin," Wheeler said to the crowd.
        The Kingdom of Yankeeland cheered Prince Wheeler. They knew this would begin the most important time in Wheeler's life. Yes, this tournament would decide who would be the lucky woman to be his wife. "The first thing that will happen will be an interview with my Prime Minister Planetus. Everyone will get an equal chance, since Planetus pretty much does not know any of you."
        Or did he? Well, imagine Planetus' reaction when it was Linka's turn to interview. He tried to be unbiased and rational, but he just could not. He knew what a good captain Linka was, and how much she cared for the Prince no matter how hard she tried to hide it.

        "Uh, Wheeler. I think some women might have an advantage over others," Planetus told him after the first round of interviews was over.
        "Well yeah, there are some things that I am looking for," Wheeler said, pretending not to know.
        "You'll never guess who wants to be your wife," Planetus said, in a tone that could mean anyone from the hottest Hollywood star to the trampiest wench.
        "Who?" Wheeler's big blue eyes lit up, as if he hoped it was the one he dreamed of.
        Planetus gave him a sly smile, and the two guys high-fived and hug each other.
        "Yes," a whisper sounded from the window.
        "Ma-Ti, don't spy. Go weed out some candidates," Wheeler told him.
        "Yes, buster, I mean master, I mean Linka-lover." Ma-ti said. Wheeler and Planetus cracked up. This was too easy.

        There's no way I could beat all these princesses, Linka thought. "So, don't you think the Prince is cute?" she asked the lady in front of her.
        "I guess, although he is not my type."
        "Then how come you are pursuing him so eagerly?"
        "Because he is the Prince."
        "But do you love him?"
        "Oh I can learn to love him," the lady said.
        But I truly care for him. If only he felt the same way, but there's no way I am gunna win. Not with this lady's moneybags and drop dead gorgeous looks, Linka thought. A tear ran down her cheek.

        "She does not love you for yourself, but `cause you're the prince!" Ma-Ti signaled to Wheeler about the woman in front of Linka.
        "And like her, there's probably lots. But a woman who is my loyal captain will care for me as myself ...hopefully."

To be contined...

Challenge