Prince Vincent always looked like a child in the presence of his twin and father. Most people at least managed to retain the appearance of adulthood even if both men dwarfed them. Smirking, he asked, "What if Vladimir loses control during the consummation?"
His father, King Liam, shot him a nasty look. "That is why we agreed to sign the contract at the wedding conditional only that your brother complete the ceremony."
"Him and the girl that has been raised to be his perfect wife, you mean."
"Desperation makes fools of everyone, take care not to be the fool in that equation."
"Does the girl even know she is to be his voice? He hardly speaks, his queen must be quite eloquent."
"As you said, she was raised for this."
"True." Vincent asked, "Are we moving forward with my betrothal?" After searching far and wide, they found a suitable match for the younger prince. A princess and only child in a patriarchal kingdom, her father had already agreed to marry her to Vincent, although the proposal still needed further approval as Vincent was to be the heir to the throne should the marriage be successful.
"Yes, son. Princess Eleanor will be your bride once she comes of age, everything is on track."
"Have you informed Vladimir or mother yet?"
"Your mother is aware and agrees that your brother needs to focus on his own marriage."
"Of course. Am I dismissed, father? I need the lessons I was denied as second born now that I am to be a king."
"Leave if you wish. I hope you show your new king more respect."
"I'm sure you'll find a way to annex and deny me a throne." Vincent didn't actually want a throne and Liam knew it. Complaining about not being heir was his way of expressing his desire to be his brother's equal, the whole family was much too intelligent not to see that. Still, Vincent was hurt whenever he was slapped with the reminder that his brother was more important to the kingdom despite having shared a womb.