The claiming

In the kingdom of Eldoria, every citizen is bound by a strict law: marriage is mandatory at sixteen, a decree aimed at reviving the kingdom's dwindling population. For many, the tradition is dreaded, but none more so than the young women who have no voice in their fate. During the annual Claiming ceremony, men publicly declare their choices by listing three women in order of preference, with the final decision sealing their futures. For the women, refusal is not an option.

Aria Veyra, a sixt...