The Prince's Arranged Marriage

The morning after the banquet, Lucien found himself awake earlier than usual. The air was crisp with the scent of salt and morning dew, the distant sound of waves crashing against the cliffs a steady backdrop to the quiet stillness of Seacliff at dawn. It should have been peaceful. And yet, his thoughts were anything but.

Because for the first time since this ridiculous engagement had begun, he wasn't entirely sure he hated Alexander's company.

The realization sat uncomfortably in his chest, foreign and unwelcome. Lucien was used to their interactions being sharp-edged, brimming with tension, every exchange a verbal duel. But lately—especially here in Seacliff—there had been something else woven between their words. Something lighter, something dangerously close to... ease.

"Good morning, Lucien."

Lucien startled, snapping his head toward the doorway where Alexander leaned, arms crossed, looking far too composed for this early hour.

"What are you doing here?" Lucien asked, schooling his features into his usual unimpressed mask.

Alexander smirked. "You wound me. Am I not allowed to greet my dear fiancé in the morning?"

Lucien rolled his eyes, swinging his legs out of bed. "Not before I've had tea."

Alexander chuckled, pushing off the doorway. "Lucky for you, I anticipated your crankiness." He stepped aside, revealing a servant carrying a tray set with a pot of steaming tea, fresh fruit, and delicate pastries

Lucien eyed him warily as the tray was placed on a small table. "You're being suspiciously thoughtful. What's your game?"

"No game," Alexander said, settling into a chair across from him. "I merely thought you might appreciate a pleasant start to the day.

Lucien narrowed his eyes. "You never do anything without a reason."

Alexander gave him a slow, knowing smile. "Maybe I just enjoy your company."

Lucien scoffed, reaching for the teacup, but the warmth that spread through his chest at those words was entirely unwelcome.

Before he could dwell on it, a sharp knock interrupted his thoughts.

Lady Genevieve entered, ever composed, holding a stack of neatly arranged documents. "Your Highnesses," she greeted, nodding to Alexander as well. "Before you begin your activities for the day, I wanted to brief you both on the public's reactions to your tour thus far."

Lucien straightened. "And?"

Genevieve glanced at her notes. "Overwhelmingly positive. The citizens have responded well to your appearances. Many who have interacted with you personally have praised you both, not only for your grace and poise but for how natural you appear together."

Lucien blinked. "Natural?"

Alexander, looking far too pleased, hummed. "Interesting."

Genevieve continued, "Many comments from the citizens include praise about how well you complement each other. Some have even remarked that they did not expect the engagement to feel so genuine."

Lucien scoffed, folding his arms. "That's absurd."

Genevieve offered him a knowing look. "Is it?"

Lucien didn't answer, instead choosing to glare out the window.

---

As the day stretched on, their schedule was surprisingly open. Lady Genevieve had—perhaps foolishly—decided to allow them some free time before their next formal engagement in the evening. That left Lucien and Alexander with nothing but the city and each other

Their free time led them through the bustling streets of Seacliff, past fishmongers and shipwrights, the salty breeze tangling in their hair as they made their way toward the cliffs. The pathway curved along the edge, offering a stunning view of the ocean stretching endlessly toward the horizon.

Lucien exhaled slowly. "I still can't believe you've only been here once before."

Alexander tilted his head. "Why is that?"

"You act as though you know it well."

Alexander hummed thoughtfully. "Some places don't require frequent visits to leave an impression."

Lucien glanced at him. "Spoken like a man who thinks too much."

Alexander chuckled. "And here I thought you appreciated introspection."

"Only when it's mine," Lucien deadpanned.

Alexander laughed, the sound rich and genuine. Lucien hated how much he liked it.

They continued their walk in relative silence, the rhythmic crash of waves below filling the space between them. Lucien found himself watching Alexander—not in the way he usually did, searching for weaknesses or hidden barbs—but simply observing. The way the wind tousled his dark hair, the way he looked at the sea with something like longing.

"You miss it," Lucien said, surprising even himself.

Alexander glanced at him. "Miss what?"

"The freedom," Lucien murmured. "You talk about the sea like it was one of the few places you weren't... constrained."

Alexander's expression flickered with something unreadable before he smirked. "Careful, Lucien. If I didn't know better, I'd say you were starting to care about my feelings."

Lucien groaned. "Forget I said anything."

Alexander chuckled, nudging him lightly. "Too late. It's on record."

---

They found a quiet spot near the docks, watching ships sway with the tide. A few sailors bustled about, preparing vessels for departure, their voices carrying in the salty air.

Alexander leaned back on his elbows. "Tell me something."

Lucien arched a brow. "That's a vague request."

Alexander huffed a laugh. "Something real. Not an insult, not a deflection. Just something about you I don't know."

Lucien considered this for a long moment, then exhaled. "I never left Veridia much," he admitted. "Not just because of duty, but because I never really wanted to. The capital was my whole world."

Alexander tilted his head. "And now?"

Lucien hesitated. "Now... I'm not sure. This tour has been exhausting, frustrating, and yet... it's not what I expected."

Alexander studied him for a moment before nodding. "I understand."

Lucien scoffed. "That's a first."

Alexander smirked. "And here I thought we were making progress."

Lucien rolled his eyes. "You're insufferable."

"And yet, you're still sitting here with me."

Lucien opened his mouth for a retort but found he had none. Because Alexander was right.

---

By the time they returned to their residence, the sky had turned a deep orange, the sun sinking into the horizon. They stood on the balcony overlooking the ocean, the evening air cool against their skin.

Lucien exhaled. "Today was... not unbearable."

Alexander smirked. "High praise."

Lucien rolled his eyes but didn't argue.

Alexander leaned against the railing, looking at him with something unreadable in his gaze. "You know, you're not as difficult as you pretend to be."

Lucien gave him a flat look. "And you're not as charming as you think you are."

Alexander chuckled. "Perhaps not. But I do think you enjoy my company more than you're willing to admit."

Lucien looked away, watching the waves roll in. He didn't respond.

Because, for the first time, he wasn't sure he could deny it.