The Prince's Arranged Marriage

The morning departure from Riverbed was met with the crisp scent of the river, a cool breeze carrying the lingering warmth of yesterday's sun. Lucien stood by the waiting car, arms crossed as he observed the servants loading the last of their luggage. The past day had been… unexpectedly pleasant. And if he was being honest, the prospect of leaving Riverbed almost disappointed him. Not that he would ever admit it out loud.

Alexander joined him moments later, a cup of tea in hand. "You look deep in thought. Regretting all that eel stew?"

Lucien rolled his eyes. "Unlike you, I don't make reckless culinary choices."

Alexander smirked. "You called it 'delicious' before we left. I believe we have witnesses."

Lucien huffed, choosing to ignore him as Lady Genevieve approached, her usual stack of neatly prepared documents in hand. "Your Highnesses, before we set off, I have your itinerary for Seacliff."

Lucien took the document with mild reluctance. Despite the relatively relaxed day they had enjoyed, he was well aware that their obligations would resume in full force once they arrived at their next destination. He scanned the parchment, eyes flicking over the meticulously planned schedule.

---

**Itinerary for Seacliff Visit**

- **Morning Arrival**: Welcome procession through the cliffside roads, followed by an address at the Seafarer's Square.

- **Midday Exploration**: Private tour of the Maritime Museum, showcasing Seacliff's naval history and shipbuilding heritage.

- **Afternoon Training Session**: Observation of the Seacliff Naval Academy's cadets and a demonstration of their renowned sailing techniques.

- **Evening Banquet**: Hosted at the Governor's Hall, featuring dishes sourced from the ocean and performances by local musicians.

---

Alexander read over his shoulder, nodding thoughtfully. "Seems structured but not overly restrictive."

"Surprising, given Lady Genevieve's usual precision," Lucien remarked.

Lady Genevieve gave them both a look. "I'm capable of allowing some flexibility, Your Highnesses. Besides, after the success of your engagement with the citizens of Riverbed, I believe some degree of spontaneity can be beneficial."

Lucien wasn't sure whether to feel flattered or concerned.

The journey to Seacliff began soon after, their convoy following winding roads that led out of Riverbed's lush farmland and toward the coastal cliffs. The change in scenery was striking—the golden fields gradually giving way to rolling green hills, their edges sheer as they met the crashing waves below. The ocean stretched endlessly before them, deep blue and powerful, glinting under the morning sun.

Lucien found himself staring out the window, entranced. "It's beautiful."

Alexander, seated beside him, glanced up from his book. "You like the sea?"

Lucien hesitated. "I never thought about it much. Veridia, the capital, is more inland. I hardly left the capital growing up, so I haven't been to many cities in Veridian. But seeing it like this… it's something else."

Alexander closed his book, looking out as well. "Seacliff is one of Veridian's strongest naval cities. I've only been here once before, years ago, on a vacation. My father took me to watch the ships set sail. There's something freeing about it. The way the horizon stretches without end."

Lucien was surprised by the genuine nostalgia in his voice. "You sound fond of it."

Alexander's gaze remained on the ocean. "I suppose I am. It was one of the few times I could just observe, without the weight of expectations. Watching the ships disappear into the horizon always made me wonder what lay beyond."

Lucien didn't press further. Instead, he let the peaceful silence settle between them as their carriage continued its journey along the cliffs.

---

By midday, they reached the gates of Seacliff. The city, true to its name, was perched along the cliffs, its buildings constructed from sturdy stone and timber, built to withstand the coastal winds. The scent of salt and fresh fish filled the air, mingling with the calls of seagulls overhead. Sailors moved through the busy streets, unloading goods from ships docked below, while merchants called out their wares in melodic voices.

Their welcome procession took them through the winding streets toward Seafarer's Square, where a gathering of townspeople awaited them. The people of Seacliff, though less formal than the nobility, regarded them with a quiet respect, their gazes curious yet welcoming. Lucien and Alexander stood before them, delivering their customary speeches, but for once, it felt less like a performance and more like a true exchange.

The tour of the Maritime Museum followed shortly after. Inside, they admired ancient maps, intricate ship models, and records of Veridian's famed naval victories. Alexander, unsurprisingly, knew much about Seacliff's maritime history and spoke easily with the museum curator, discussing shipbuilding techniques and naval strategies.

Lucien, despite his usual disinterest in military matters, found himself listening. He was struck by the way Alexander's eyes lit up when he spoke about the sea, the way his usual composed demeanor softened in the presence of something he truly enjoyed.

By the time they reached the Seacliff Naval Academy, the tension that had defined the early days of their tour had diminished into something almost resembling camaraderie. They watched as young cadets maneuvered their boats with practiced ease, the wind catching their sails as they glided through the water. One of the academy's instructors invited them to attempt steering a small vessel themselves.

Lucien, skeptical, arched a brow. "Are you suggesting we sail?"

Alexander smirked. "Afraid you'll capsize?"

Lucien scoffed. "Hardly. I just prefer solid ground."

Despite his protests, he found himself stepping aboard the vessel, Alexander taking position beside him as they were guided through the process. The boat rocked gently, waves lapping against its hull as they caught the wind. Lucien gripped the wheel tighter than necessary, but to his own surprise, he didn't hate it.

"See? Not so bad," Alexander said, voice teasing.

Lucien exhaled slowly, allowing a small smirk. "Give it a few minutes. If we sink, I'm blaming you."

Alexander laughed. "Duly noted."

The rest of the afternoon passed in a way that felt… easy. For once, Lucien wasn't bristling at Alexander's presence, and Alexander, in turn, wasn't goading him into arguments. The shift between them was subtle, but undeniable.

That evening, the banquet at the Governor's Hall was a grand affair, the long tables adorned with delicacies fresh from the ocean. Conversation flowed effortlessly, the room filled with warmth and laughter. Even Lucien found himself relaxing, allowing the atmosphere to wash over him as he enjoyed the evening.

As the night stretched on, he caught Alexander watching him, a thoughtful look in his eyes.

"What?" Lucien asked, brow raised.

Alexander took a sip of his wine before answering. "Nothing. Just… it's nice."

Lucien frowned slightly. "What is?"

Alexander's expression was unreadable. "This. The way things are."

Lucien didn't know how to respond. Because, deep down, he knew exactly what Alexander meant.

And that was perhaps the most unsettling realization of all.