The press conference was a whirlwind, a chaotic storm of flashing lights and probing questions. Journalists swarmed us like moths to a flame, their voices a cacophony of inquiries. We stood side-by-side, our smiles plastered on our faces, our bodies tense beneath the weight of expectation.
"Your Highnesses," one journalist began, her voice cutting through the noise. "When did you realize you were in love?"
I chuckled, a practiced laugh that sounded genuine, even to my own ears. "It was quite unexpected," I said, glancing at Alexander with feigned fondness. "We were discussing matters of state, as you know, a rather dry topic. But amidst the talk of trade agreements and border disputes, I suddenly found myself captivated by Alexander's intelligence, his passion for our kingdoms."
Alexander nodded, mirroring my affection, his eyes sparkling with manufactured warmth. "Indeed," he said, his voice smooth and polished. "I was equally drawn to Lucien's charm, his wit, his… unconventional approach to diplomacy. It was a meeting of minds, a connection that transcended the mundane details of politics."
"Can you tell us more about your first meeting?" another journalist inquired, her pen poised above her notepad. "When and where did you meet?"
"Ah, our first meeting," I said, a dreamy look in my eyes. "It was two years ago, at a grand ball in the Kingdom of Eldoria. The music was enchanting, the atmosphere magical. And then I saw Alexander across the room, his eyes sparkling with intelligence and kindness. It was love at first sight."
Alexander chuckled, a low, rumbling sound that sent a shiver down my spine. "Lucien makes it sound so romantic," he said, his voice laced with amusement. "But it's true. I was captivated by his charm, his wit, his… shall we say, irresistible personality."
"What are your plans for the future?" another journalist asked, her eyes filled with curiosity.
"We hope to travel," I replied, my voice filled with enthusiasm. "To explore the far corners of the world, to learn about different cultures, different traditions. We believe that experiencing the diversity of our world will make us better rulers, better representatives of our people."
"And of course," Alexander added, "we are both deeply committed to charitable work. We plan to dedicate ourselves to various causes, to make a positive impact on the lives of those less fortunate."
"What about children?" a third journalist inquired, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
We exchanged a look, a silent agreement passing between us. This was a question we had anticipated, a question that was sure to arise. "We would love to have children," I said, my voice warm and sincere. "But we are in no rush. We want to enjoy our time together, to build a strong foundation for our marriage, before we bring little ones into the world."
"And finally," a fourth journalist asked, her voice ringing with sincerity, "what message do you have for the people of your kingdoms?"
Lucien and Alexander exchanged another look, their expressions carefully crafted to convey sincerity and unity. "We want to thank you for your unwavering support," Lucien said, his voice filled with emotion. "We are deeply grateful for your trust, for your belief in us. We are committed to serving you, to ensuring peace and prosperity for our kingdoms."
"And we promise to be a couple that you can be proud of," Alexander added, his voice echoing Lucien's sentiment. "We will strive to be worthy of your love, your respect, your admiration."
The press conference concluded, and we were ushered off the stage, a whirlwind of applause and congratulations following us. We had done it. We had pulled off the performance. We had fooled the world with our charade of love.
But as we walked away from the stage, the weight of our deception settled upon us, heavy and suffocating. We knew that this was just the beginning. The engagement was a facade, a carefully constructed illusion that would have to be maintained for the foreseeable future.
We were trapped in a gilded cage, our lives dictated by duty, by political expediency, by the expectations of two kingdoms. We were actors in a play that had no end in sight, our destinies intertwined in a web of deceit and obligation.
I glanced at Alexander, his face etched with a weariness that mirrored my own. We were both prisoners of our circumstances, bound by a forced alliance that neither of us desired. But we had a role to play, a performance to deliver. And we would play it to the best of our abilities, for the sake of our kingdoms, for the sake of our families, and perhaps, even for the sake of our own sanity.
After the success of the press conference which was broadcast live, an announcement was made for the engagement party between Alexander and I, which was to be held the next night at the Castle.
The invitation cards were prepared and sent out in anticipation of the party.
Members of the royal court and royalty from neighbouring kingdoms were all invited to be at attendance in the party.