The Prince's Arranged Marriage

I woke up the next morning with a pounding headache, a dull reminder of the turmoil that had settled in my mind. The previous day's revelations had left me reeling, and sleep had done little to ease my frustration. I had spent the night tossing and turning, my thoughts a tangled mess of resentment, disbelief, and an overwhelming sense of betrayal.

I forced myself out of bed, my limbs heavy as if the weight of my fate had physically settled upon me. After washing up, I dressed and made my way to the dining hall for breakfast. The palace staff moved efficiently around me, their faces betraying no emotion, as if oblivious to the storm raging inside me. I sat down at the long, ornate dining table, barely acknowledging the elaborate spread before me. I picked at my food absentmindedly, my appetite nonexistent.

Halfway through my meal, a palace attendant approached with a formal bow. "Your Majesty, the King requests your presence in his study."

I let out a slow breath, setting down my utensils. I had expected this. The dreaded conversation about my impending marriage was far from over.

"Tell him I'll be there shortly," I said, though my voice lacked any real enthusiasm. I finished my meal as quickly as I could stomach it, wiped my hands, and made my way to my father's study.

Upon entering, I was met with the familiar sight of my father seated behind his grand mahogany desk, his expression unreadable. My mother stood beside him, her posture rigid, her lips pressed into a thin line. The atmosphere was suffocating.

"Good morning, Father," I greeted stiffly, bowing slightly.

"Good morning," he responded, his tone neutral. "Sit down."

I did as I was told, trying to brace myself for whatever came next.

"I called you here to discuss the preparations for your marriage to Prince Alexander Silver," he said without preamble. His voice carried the finality of a sealed fate.

I scoffed internally. Of course. What else would it be about?

"Oh, I should have realized," I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm.

"There's no need for such pessimism," my father said, his tone sharp. "Think about the future of this kingdom. This marriage is beneficial to us and the millions of people who call Veridian home."

I clenched my jaw. That was the excuse they kept giving. The justification for selling me off to the Crown Prince of Avaloria like a mere bargaining chip.

"Regardless of your feelings, the decision has already been made. In six months, you will be married, and there is nothing you can do to change that."

I swallowed back my protest. What was the point? He had made it abundantly clear that my opinion was irrelevant.

"I'm just briefing you on what will happen in the coming months," he continued. "From now on, all further discussions will be handled by the Royal Press Officer."

I remained silent, gripping the arms of my chair as he continued.

"The Crown Prince of Avaloria will arrive in two days. The day after his arrival, a press conference will be held and broadcasted in both kingdoms to formally announce your engagement. On the second evening after his arrival, an engagement party will be held, and invitations have already been prepared."

I exhaled sharply through my nose, my hands tightening into fists beneath the table. So it was all set in stone. There was no room for discussion, no room for appeal.

When my father was done speaking, I stood without another word and walked out of his study. I needed air. I needed to clear my head.

I made my way to the one place in the palace that was truly mine—a hidden garden nestled deep within the palace grounds. It was enclosed by ivy-covered stone walls, with a single, narrow entrance through an unassuming wooden door.

Stepping inside, I inhaled deeply. The scent of roses, jasmine, and honeysuckle filled the air, a stark contrast to the suffocating weight of my obligations. A small fountain bubbled softly at the center, its rhythmic flow a soothing balm to my frayed nerves.

I sat on the stone bench by the fountain, letting the stillness wash over me. This was the only place where I could escape the suffocating grip of royal duty, the only place where I could pretend, even for a moment, that I wasn't just a pawn in a political game.

I spent hours there, reading a book I had brought along, losing myself in its world as if the pages could offer me a different fate. When the sun began to set, I reluctantly gathered my things and returned to the palace.

The next day, I met with the Royal Press Officer to discuss the upcoming press conference. Since it was a live broadcast, all invited media houses were given a set of pre-approved questions, ensuring that nothing unpredictable would arise. Prince Alexander and I were also provided with scripted answers to study.

As if the charade wasn't enough, we were expected to pretend that this marriage was a love match. The kingdom needed to believe in the romanticized fairy tale of two princes destined to be together. If the citizens thought it was genuine, they would be more inclined to support the union.

I scoffed at the thought. If only they knew the truth.

I spent the rest of the day rehearsing the scripted answers, forcing myself to memorize words that felt foreign to me.

The morning of Alexander's arrival, my mother woke me early to ensure everything was prepared. A special dinner menu was given to the chefs, the royal band was summoned, and final touches were put in place for his reception.

A few hours later, we received word that Prince Alexander had landed at Veridia International Airport. A driver had been sent to escort him to the palace. It was roughly a two-hour drive, giving me just enough time to mentally prepare myself for the act I had to put on.

When the car finally pulled into the palace driveway, I took my place at the entrance, where the press had gathered. The moment Alexander stepped out, cameras flashed wildly.

I forced a smile, walking up to greet him.

He was just as I remembered—tall, impeccably dressed, and exuding an air of effortless arrogance. His emerald-green eyes met mine with a flicker of something unreadable before settling into a look of barely concealed disdain.

I swallowed my irritation, stepping closer. I placed a kiss on each of his cheeks, murmuring, "Welcome to my kingdom, Prince Alexander." My voice was just loud enough for the cameras to capture.

Alexander barely reacted, his expression unreadable.

I turned to him with a bright smile, my voice dripping with feigned warmth. "Shall I give you a tour?"

He didn't respond immediately, and for a brief moment, I thought he wouldn't acknowledge me at all. Then, with a smirk, he said, "I think I'd rather be shown around by someone less insufferable."

I clenched my teeth behind my smile.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" I hissed under my breath.

He shrugged, his smirk widening.

"Can't you at least pretend to care?" I asked through gritted teeth. "We're supposed to act like we're in love."

Alexander let out a low chuckle. "Pretend? Why should I lie to my people?" His voice dropped to a mocking whisper. "Unlike you, I don't see the point in putting on a show."

I glared at him, my anger bubbling to the surface. "As if I want this marriage any more than you do."

"Then we're in agreement."

I stormed away, instructing the head butler to show him to his quarters. My hands were shaking with frustration.

The nerve of him! Did he think I wanted to marry him?

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to calm down. The welcome dinner was in a few hours, and like it or not, I had to be there.

Even if every moment of it would be pure torture.