How Jenny got betrothed.
Engineer Hernandez was not just successful, he was renowned. His name was etched in gold across the skyline of Middleford City and neighboring cities alike. Bridges, skyscrapers, railways, solar plants….you name it. His engineering firm was the muscle behind many of the country's most iconic projects. Yet for all his brilliance, Hernandez had one notorious flaw: he was an unrepentant lover of luxury.
Designer suits, imported cigars, marble floors flown in from Italy. Hernandez liked his world polished, expensive, and filled with praise. And nothing excited him more than contracts with more zeros than the average man could dream of.
So when word spread like wildfire that King Chester of Brimbalene, the stoic and commanding ruler of a wealthy neighboring state, was in need of an engineering firm to execute a multi-billionaire project;one that would span three cities and include a state-of-the-art underwater transit system. Hernandez nearly choked on his aged wine in excitement.
It was a golden opportunity. The crown jewel of projects. A contract that would elevate his legacy into the pages of history.
But there was a problem: everyone wanted it. Dozens of top-tier firms from around the world sent in proposals, blueprints, and bids.
But King Chester was a shrewd monarch, not easily swayed by money or reputation. One by one, each firm was rejected. The throne remained unimpressed.
Then came Princess Lilia's birthday.
A grand affair unlike any the region had seen in years. The palace of Brimbalene was transformed into a dreamscape of candle-lit waterfalls, ice sculptures of unicorns, and orchestras flown in from Paris. The guest list was elite; royals, dignitaries, moguls, and celebrities in glittering gowns and tailored tuxedos.
Engineer Hernandez, of course, was invited. He arrived with his radiant wife, Sophia, always composed and glowing in her pearls. Beside them were their daughters: Julia, graceful and already admired for her intelligence, and Jenny, younger but with a charm and presence that couldn't be ignored.
Jenny had blossomed into her beauty early. With skin like warm honey, eyes that seemed to hold secrets, and a natural elegance that turned heads. she stood that evening in a simple blue dress, unaware that she was about to change the course of her own life.
King Chester noticed her almost instantly. Amid the flurry of dancers and glittering gowns, his sharp royal eyes locked on her with a spark of curiosity. She laughed at something Julia whispered in her ear and tossed her curls back, completely unaware of the king's gaze.
The monarch leaned toward one of his advisors and asked, "Who is that girl?"
"Engineer Hernandez's daughter," the advisor replied.
The king nodded slowly. "She has the air of royalty. Such beauty... belongs in a palace."
Later that evening, during the ballroom mingling, King Chester approached Hernandez directly. They shook hands firm, gentlemanly, measured.
"Engineer Hernandez," said the king, his voice rich and deliberate. "Your reputation precedes you. Your work in East Middleford city... remarkable."
Hernandez chuckled modestly, clearly flattered. "Your Majesty is too kind. It's always an honor to serve regions that strive for progress."
The king wasted no time. "You have a daughter. The younger one... what's her name?"
"Jenny," Hernandez replied. "She's my star."
"She is... exquisite. And intelligent, I presume?"
"She's bright," Sophia added with a proud smile. "Still young, but growing fast."
The king took a pause, then delivered the words that would seal fate:
"I have a proposal. I would like to betroth your daughter, Jenny, to my son, Prince Henry."
Hernandez blinked. Sophia's breath hitched.
The king continued, "It would be a union of promise. Beauty and royalty. In return, I shall grant your firm the exclusive contract for the royal transit project."
The air was suddenly thick with golden opportunity. Hernandez glanced at his wife, then at his daughter across the room. Jenny was smiling, completely unaware. Laughing. Innocent.
He turned back to the king. "Your Majesty… we are honored. And we accept."
And just like that, a deal was made one not signed with ink, but bound with names and futures.
From that night onward,
She was betrothed to Prince Henry of Brimbalene because her father said yes.