The Prince's Arranged Marriage

The sun cast a golden glow over Riverbed as the day of our official tour began. The city was already alive with activity, farmers hauling fresh produce to the bustling market square, fishermen tending to their nets along the riverbanks, and merchants setting up stalls filled with local goods. The scent of fresh bread and ripe fruit mixed with the crisp river air, creating an almost intoxicating atmosphere of abundance and tranquility.

Lady Genevieve had provided a meticulously planned itinerary, detailing our engagements with the city's people. The morning was spent touring the sprawling orchards that lined the outskirts of the city. Farmers welcomed us warmly, eager to share stories of their lands, the generations of labor that had shaped them, and the careful craftsmanship that went into their produce.

Alexander and I were given the opportunity to taste freshly picked fruit, and for once, I found myself enjoying an event without the usual strain of formalities.

"I think this might be the best peach I've ever had," I admitted begrudgingly, biting into the soft, juicy flesh.

Alexander raised an eyebrow, mirroring my actions. "So you do have taste. A miracle."

I scowled. "I'm sorry, should I have said the stale biscuits from last week's reception were the highlight of my culinary experience?"

He smirked. "Considering you ate three of them, I assumed they were."

I narrowed my eyes. "I was being polite."

"Of course you were."

Shaking my head, I turned my attention back to the farmer speaking to us about irrigation techniques. Despite Alexander's insufferable presence, the morning passed with surprising ease.

Next, we visited the Riverbed Artisan Market, a sprawling network of vendors showcasing handcrafted goods—woven baskets, intricate wood carvings, and pottery glazed in stunning hues reflecting the colors of the river at sunset. The place was alive with chatter, laughter, and the distant sound of musicians playing cheerful tunes.

A group of children ran up to us, each holding small wreaths woven from wildflowers. "For the princes!" one of them chirped excitedly.

Alexander bent down, accepting the wreath with an amused expression. "Thank you," he said. "Did you make this yourself?"

The girl nodded enthusiastically. "I made it for you!"

I watched as Alexander, ever composed, actually smiled—a small, rare thing, but genuine.

Another child tugged on my sleeve, offering me a wreath as well. "I made yours extra special!"

"Did you now?" I asked, crouching to examine it. The woven flowers were arranged haphazardly, but it had a certain charm. "I think it's perfect."

The child beamed before running back to her group, leaving me momentarily disarmed. Alexander watched with an unreadable expression before turning back to the market stalls.

By midday, we had attended a luncheon prepared by Riverbed's finest chefs, featuring dishes sourced entirely from local ingredients. The food was simple but rich in flavor—herb-roasted meats, warm bread drizzled with honey, and an array of fresh vegetables that made me reconsider my usual distaste for overly 'wholesome' meals.

It was only after lunch that Lady Genevieve informed us of the surprise river cruise.

"The people of Riverbed wished to honor you both with a special experience aboard one of their traditional riverboats," she explained, her tone ever professional. "You'll sail along the main river route, taking in the scenery before arriving at a grand reception hosted on the water."

I groaned inwardly. "And we're only hearing about this now?"

Genevieve gave me a knowing smile. "I thought you might object if I told you beforehand."

Alexander glanced at me. "It's a good idea. It gives us a chance to see Riverbed the way its people do."

I sighed, resigning myself to the plan. "Fine. But if I end up seasick, I'm blaming you."

The riverboat was an elegant vessel, carved from rich mahogany and adorned with delicate lanterns that swayed gently in the breeze. It glided smoothly over the water as we set off, the city's skyline gradually giving way to vast, open landscapes. The river sparkled under the afternoon sun, reflecting the shifting hues of the sky like a moving tapestry.

Alexander stood beside me near the railing, watching the scenery. "Admit it. This isn't as terrible as you expected."

I huffed. "I'll admit the view is nice. Doesn't mean I'm suddenly a fan of boats."

He smirked. "So dramatic. You'd think you were being forced into exile."

"I would argue that being stuck with you qualifies."

Alexander let out a soft chuckle, surprising me. "You're not half as miserable as you pretend to be."

"That's a matter of perspective."

The cruise continued, with locals waving from their boats and riverside homes, calling out cheerful greetings. The further we traveled, the more serene the world seemed. The river carried the scent of fresh water and blooming lilies, and for the first time in a long while, I felt a sense of peace that I couldn't quite explain.

As evening approached, we arrived at the floating reception—a grand pavilion set atop a series of interconnected boats. Lanterns hung above, casting a warm glow over the gathering of nobles, merchants, and esteemed guests. Music played softly in the background, blending with the gentle lap of water against the hulls.

The night unfolded with speeches, dances, and conversations that, for once, didn't feel entirely forced. I even found myself engaging in discussions without the usual underlying irritation. Perhaps it was the setting, or perhaps—though I loathed to admit it—it was that Alexander, for all his faults, was not the worst company in moments like these.

At one point, we found ourselves standing by the edge of the reception boat, watching the river stretch endlessly into the horizon.

Alexander broke the silence. "I think this might be my favorite stop so far."

I glanced at him. "Really? I'd have expected you to favor somewhere more… refined."

He smirked. "You assume too much about me."

I hesitated, then said, "Maybe. Or maybe you just don't show people who you really are."

He looked at me, something unreadable in his expression, before shaking his head. "And here I thought I was supposed to be the mysterious one."

I rolled my eyes but couldn't suppress the small smile tugging at my lips. The night carried on, and for once, I found myself enjoying the moment, not just enduring it.

Riverbed had a way of making things feel lighter. Even, it seemed, the weight of an engagement neither of us had chosen.