Morning sunlight streamed through the tall windows of the throne room, but the atmosphere inside the palace was anything but calm.
King Aldric stood near the throne, his expression stern as he listened to the man standing before him.
General Lysender.
"My king," Lysender said carefully, "I felt it was my duty to report something concerning."
Aldric folded his arms. "Speak plainly, General."
Lysender bowed his head slightly.
"Your son, Prince Kaelen… has been spending a great deal of time with a girl from the city. The healer's daughter—Elara."
The king's expression darkened. "I am aware of her."
Lysender continued.
"Last night, Your Majesty, the prince brought her into the royal library."
The throne room fell silent.
Aldric's jaw tightened. "The royal library?"
"Yes, my king."
Aldric turned slowly toward the window overlooking the city of Eldoria.
"The prince seems… deeply interested in this girl," Lysender added carefully.
A moment passed.
Then Aldric said sharply, "Send for him."
Later That Morning
The heavy doors of the throne room opened as Prince Kaelen entered.
He walked confidently toward the center of the chamber, though he could already sense the tension in the air.
"Father," he said with a respectful bow.
Aldric did not return the greeting.
"General Lysender tells me you've been entertaining a guest in the royal library."
Kaelen's eyes flicked briefly toward Lysender.
"I brought someone to help research the creature that attacked the city."
"A girl," Aldric corrected.
Kaelen straightened slightly. "Yes."
"And you believe the royal archives are a place for casual visits?"
"It wasn't casual," Kaelen said calmly.
Aldric's voice hardened.
"You are the crown prince of Eldoria. Your actions carry meaning whether you intend them to or not."
Kaelen held his ground. "I was trying to understand the Varyndor."
"The creature that appeared when that girl's wrist began glowing?" Lysender added smoothly.
Kaelen looked at him sharply.
Aldric turned fully toward his son now.
"I've received reports from soldiers who witnessed that moment."
Kaelen didn't answer.
The king's gaze sharpened.
"Tell me honestly, Kaelen. What exactly is your connection to this girl?"
Kaelen hesitated. That brief silence was enough.
Aldric exhaled slowly, frustration clear in his expression.
"This is exactly the sort of distraction a kingdom cannot afford."
Kaelen frowned. "Elara is not a distraction."
Lysender spoke calmly.
"Your Majesty, perhaps this situation only highlights the need for clarity."
Aldric glanced toward him. "What do you mean?"
Lysender clasped his hands behind his back.
"Your son's future should already be settled. The alliance between our families has long been understood."
Kaelen stiffened slightly.
Aldric's expression shifted thoughtfully.
"You refer to Lyra." Lysender nodded.
"Yes, my king."
Kaelen looked between them.
"Wait—"
Aldric raised a hand. "The matter was discussed years ago."
Kaelen's voice sharpened slightly.
"When we were children."
"And now you are not," Aldric replied firmly.
The king stepped down from the throne platform, his gaze steady.
"You are twenty-three, Kaelen. Old enough to understand the responsibilities of the crown."
Kaelen clenched his jaw but remained silent.
Lysender continued smoothly.
"My daughter Lyra turns eighteen soon."
Aldric nodded slowly. "That is true."
"Her birthday is in two weeks," Lysender said.
Kaelen's stomach tightened.
"I believe it would be the perfect moment to announce their engagement." Silence fell across the room.
Kaelen stared at them. "You've already decided?"
Aldric's voice was calm but firm.
"It is a logical arrangement." Kaelen took a step forward.
"Father—"
"This kingdom needs stability," Aldric interrupted.
"And you need focus."
The king's eyes hardened slightly.
"I will not have rumors spreading about the crown prince wandering the city after a healer's daughter."
Kaelen's hands clenched at his sides. "Elara has done nothing wrong."
"That may be," Aldric said. "But appearances matter."
He turned back toward the throne.
"The engagement will be announced during Lyra's eighteenth birthday celebration."
Kaelen felt the words hit like a blade.
"That's two weeks away."
"Exactly," Lysender said calmly.
Kaelen looked toward him, anger flickering in his eyes.
"You planned this."
Lysender met his gaze without flinching. "I am protecting the future of the kingdom."
Kaelen exhaled slowly, forcing himself to remain calm.
"And what if I refuse?"
The throne room went completely still.
Aldric turned slowly toward him. "You will not refuse."
Kaelen met his father's gaze. "This is not a simple political decision."
"For a prince," Aldric said firmly, "it often is."
The tension between them was heavy.
Finally Kaelen looked away.
"Am I dismissed?"
Aldric nodded once. "Yes."
Kaelen turned and walked toward the doors.
But before he left, the king spoke again.
"Stay away from that girl, Kaelen."
The prince paused. His back remained turned.
Then he continued walking out of the throne room without answering.
Outside the Palace
Kaelen stepped into the palace courtyard, the morning air suddenly feeling colder than before.
Two weeks. Two weeks until Lyra's birthday.
Two weeks until the kingdom expected him to become engaged.
And somehow, his thoughts immediately went to Elara.