"Veridia is in trouble. Listen to my words," a concerned merchant stated with worry in his voice.
His tone carried a sense of sadness. "The joining of a human and a demon? It's like a sign of bad luck!"
A brave young knight shook his head, determination shining in his eyes.
"No, my friends, let's not lose hope. Maybe this union could be exactly what Veridia needs—a chance to bring us together. It might help mend the divides that have troubled our land for so long."
At the same time, Caspian was carefully observing the different reactions unfolding around him.
He watched as Lady Elara and Lord Malachi respectfully bowed before the gathered crowd.
'Their union seems to be full of assumptions and opinions.'
Next to Lady Elara stood her sister and mother. Their faces were lit up with excitement and happiness.
Caspian furrowed his eyebrows as he noticed Lady Elara glancing around the room.
'What could she be pondering now?'
Meanwhile, Lord Malachi's face showed no clear emotions. This made Caspian uncertain about what Lord Malachi might be thinking.
—-----------------------
ThAfter a little pause in the proceedings, Caspian decided to return to his private chamber to change his clothes.
In that peaceful room, he hoped to find some comfort and clear his mind from the chaos inside him.
He walked back and forth, his thoughts swirling around in a whirlwind of confusion.
"Why does this union bother me so much?" Caspian whispered to himself.
He reached up and raked his fingers through his hair, his forehead creased with deep thought.
"I'm the King, and I should be fair to everyone. I never intended to choose her as the Queen... Or should I? But that might create even more confusion and trouble."
A soft knock on the door broke his concentration, and when he turned around, he saw Duke Dorian standing there.
"I had a feeling. Lady Elara Blackthorn is the shimmering light in the shadows," Dorian said, his voice filled with amazement.
He walked into Caspian's room, shaking his head in disbelief.
"What are you trying to say, Duke Dorian?" Caspian tried to hide his inner turmoil, but his voice showed he was uneasy.
"What's going on, my friend? Lady Elara is about to be married! It's a forbidden affair, Your Majesty!" Dorian spoke with a sense of certainty, as if he had already figured everything out.
Caspian clenched his fists, his emotions bubbling under the surface. He didn't need to be reminded of the complications.
'I understand it more than anyone, Dorian. You don't have to keep repeating it,' Caspian responded in a hush, his frustration hidden behind a calm exterior.
He was careful not to let his true feelings show. He knew he had to maintain his composure in front of others.
"We're not in a relationship, Dorian. And I don't want to marry her," Caspian said firmly.
"Are you really sure about that, Your Majesty?" Dorian's lips curled into a knowing smile.
"I saw her, and she looked quite special. I might have been interested if Lord Malachi hadn't come into the picture first," Dorian teased.
Caspian shot Dorian an intense look, his eyes almost fiery.
Dorian laughed and shook his head. "But well, there's nothing we can do except watch the beautiful lady find happiness with someone else," he said with a sigh, pretending to be resigned.
Just as Caspian was about to reply, Dorian's face lit up with realization. "Unless, of course, you use your power as the King and choose her for yourself."
"I won't think about that, Dorian," Caspian calmly declared, although he had just been considering it a few moments ago.
"Now, please go. I need to get ready and change my clothes."
After ushering Dorian out of the room, Caspian found himself alone, lost in thought.
"Should I really think about it?" he wondered briefly.
However, he quickly shook his head, dismissing the idea.
"I'm the King of Veridia. Bringing everyone together and making sure everyone gets along is what matters most. Being selfish isn't right."
Caspian quickly changed his clothes and stepped out of his room, ready to face what was next.
But as he turned a corner in the hallway, his steps came to a sudden stop.
There was Lady Elara, walking gracefully towards him, her presence radiant.
He looked at her as she traced her fingers along the detailed patterns on the walls.
'Did she not notice me?' Caspian thought to himself. He wanted to say something to her, to address her properly.
But his words seemed to disappear, leaving him speechless.
Her gentle touch was enchanting, as if she held a special connection with the palace.
He couldn't look away from her, amazed that someone could appreciate his home so deeply.
He stood there, rooted to the spot, feeling captivated by her presence.
"Do you find the palace interesting?" Caspian asked, gathering his courage to speak.
Her surprised expression showed that she hadn't expected him to be there.
She quickly bowed respectfully.
A small smile played on Caspian's lips as he watched her reaction. He paid close attention to every move she made.
As she gracefully bowed, Caspian noticed a glimpse of vulnerability in her action.
It seemed like she understood that he was the King.
He couldn't help but smile to himself, remembering their first meeting. She had been so different back then.
'What on earth are you doing, stepping on my toes like a clueless idiot?'
Her hands were waving around, and her wild hair was all over the place.
Caspian chuckled quietly, imagining how she might react if she ever found out he was Lord Shadow.
"I'm sorry for exploring without permission, Your Majesty," Lady Elara said politely.
She looked composed and graceful in her response.
Caspian found himself amused, wanting to tell her that he was the cloaked man, but he decided to keep the secret for now.
Instead, he enjoyed the special connection they shared.
Even though he was the King and needed to act respectfully, a playful spark shone in his eyes.