"Son."  His mother's voice was serious.  He already knew what she wanted.  "You've been of marrying age for a long time now yet you have not chosen a potential mate.  I'm afraid time is running short.  We have come to the decision to arrange for you to meet with someone."  She stared him down, looking for any signs of apprehension.

"I understand."  

"Excellent, so you agree to meet with them then?  At the end of the day we will not force you, but you should know.  This family we have arranged for you to meet is a very powerful one.  Combining our forces would greatly enhance our status.  Despite what you think of them, I would heartily consider this as a viable option."

Mark was tired.  He was tired of these constant conversations.  He was tired of meeting so many people and not being attracted to any of them.  He knew his family would eventually try to disown him if he didn't find a mate.  He just wanted all of this to be over and done with, once and for all.  

"Mark, is that a yes or a no?"

He didn't need to ponder for too long.  He knew he was making the right decision.

"Yes, I'll meet them."

am i going to regret starting a multichapter royal au markjin fic? maybe.  is that going to stop me? no.