The Prince's Arranged Marriage

The car ride back to Aeurum Royal Hotel was quieter than I expected.

It wasn't that I had anticipated a conversation—Alexander and I were hardly the type to engage in idle chatter—but there was a weight in the air that hadn't been there before.

I stared out the window as Veridia's streets blurred past. The echoes of applause and music still rang faintly in my ears, but I barely registered them. My mind was elsewhere, stuck in a moment I didn't quite understand.

The dance.

I had spent the entire evening playing my part, wearing the mask of a devoted fiancé. But for those fleeting minutes in Alexander's arms, something had shifted. We weren't just two reluctant princes locked in a political charade—we were moving in sync, caught in the rhythm of the music, the world narrowing down to a shared breath, a steady hold, a knowing glance.

And for once, it hadn't felt like a performance.

That unsettled me more than anything.

Alexander sat across from me in the car, his posture relaxed but composed. His expression was unreadable, as always, but I could feel his gaze flicker toward me every so often, as if waiting for me to say something.

I didn't.

Instead, I leaned back against the seat, watching as the city lights of Veridia stretched across the skyline. The streets were still lively despite the late hour, the glow of street lamps casting long shadows over cobblestone roads and sleek glass buildings. The blend of old and new, history and innovation—it was what made Veridia unique.

And yet, at this moment, it all felt distant.

Lady Genevieve who was our Royal coordinator for the tour, cleared her throat from the front seat, her voice breaking through the silence. "Your Highnesses, before we retire for the night, I'd like to brief you on the next leg of the tour."

I exhaled, pushing aside my thoughts. "Go on."

"Our next destination is Aquamarina," she continued. "A major port city, known as the Jewel of the Eastern Coast. Trade ships from across the world dock there, bringing exotic goods, rare artifacts, and international influence."

I nodded. "And our itinerary?"

Genevieve swiped on her tablet. "Upon arrival, you will be formally welcomed at Harbor Square by the Governor and the city council. There will be a brief speech, followed by a guided tour of the Grand Seafarer's Market."

I perked up slightly. "The Seafarer's Market?"

I had never been, but I had heard stories. A place where traders bartered over spices, silks, and relics from distant lands. Where the scent of salt and citrus mixed with the calls of merchants and the crash of ocean waves. A city alive with movement, with history.

"The market is a highlight," Genevieve confirmed. "After that, you'll visit the Naval Academy, where you'll observe training exercises and meet with cadets."

Alexander nodded. "Naval cooperation is crucial between Avaloria and Veridia. A show of unity there makes sense."

Of course he would see it from a strategic angle.

Genevieve continued, "The day will conclude with a formal banquet at the Governor's estate, followed by a maritime-themed ball."

A ball.

My stomach twisted.

Another performance. Another moment under the public eye where I would have to pretend to be something I wasn't.

I flicked my gaze toward Alexander, expecting some smug remark. But he merely studied me, his expression unreadable.

"Understood," I said shortly.

The car eased to a stop in front of Aeurum Royal Hotel. The grand building loomed before us, its golden lights casting a soft glow against the night sky.

The door opened, and I stepped out first, inhaling the crisp evening air. The scent of jasmine and stone lingered in the courtyard, mixing with the distant hum of the city.

Alexander followed, falling into step beside me as we entered the hotel. The marble floors gleamed under the chandelier light, the grand halls quiet save for the occasional whisper of attendants passing by.

For a moment, we walked in silence. And then—

"You're awfully quiet tonight," Alexander mused.

I scoffed. "And that's unusual?"

He smirked. "You usually find some way to insult me before we reach the hotel doors."

I rolled my eyes. "Consider it a rare mercy."

We reached the elevator, and the doors slid open with a soft chime. Stepping inside, I leaned against the railing, crossing my arms.

Alexander's gaze lingered on me, sharp and assessing. "You're still thinking about the dance."

I tensed.

He took my silence as confirmation. "You seemed rather… caught up in the moment."

I exhaled sharply, my patience fraying. "It was a performance, Alexander. That's all."

His lips curved slightly. "Is that what you tell yourself?"

I turned to glare at him. "It's the truth."

Alexander tilted his head, amusement flickering in his eyes. "You didn't look like you were acting."

Heat surged through me—anger, irritation, something else I refused to name. "And you didn't look like someone who despises me," I shot back.

He chuckled. "Despise is a strong word."

I narrowed my eyes. "Don't play games with me."

The elevator doors slid open, and I stepped out first, walking briskly down the hall toward my suite. Alexander followed, his pace unhurried.

Just before I reached my door, he said, "You assume everything between us is an act."

I clenched my jaw, refusing to turn around.

He continued, his voice quieter but no less infuriating. "Maybe it is. Or maybe you just don't want to admit that some things aren't so easily faked."

Something sharp twisted in my chest.

I forced out a breath, gripping the door handle. "If you think for one second that I will ever see you as anything other than an obligation, you're delusional."

A pause.

Then, a soft, knowing hum. "Whatever helps you sleep at night, Lucien."

My grip tightened, but I didn't turn back.

Instead, I shoved the door open and stepped inside, slamming it shut behind me.

The moment I was alone, I exhaled, pressing a hand to my temple.

Damn him.

Damn him for always knowing exactly how to get under my skin.