Two days had passed since the engagement party, yet the weight of it still pressed down on me. The grand halls of the palace, once filled with music and the clinking of champagne glasses, were now eerily quiet. But outside these walls, the world was anything but.
The royal tour had been announced yesterday.
The news spread like wildfire across Veridian and Avaloria, flashing across every screen, dissected by every commentator. Every moment of our upcoming journey was already under scrutiny, and opinions had begun to form—some eager, some skeptical, and many utterly unconvinced.
And today, we were leaving.
Morning Briefing: The Itinerary Unveiled
The conference room was colder than usual, though I suspected that had more to do with my mood than the temperature. I sat stiffly in my chair, my hands gripping the armrests a little too tightly. Across from me, Alexander sat with his usual perfect posture, scanning the documents before him.
Sir Aldric Fairmont, the palace's press and communications officer, cleared his throat. "As you are both aware, the tour officially begins today. Your departure for Veridia, the capital, is set for noon. Let's go over the schedule."
He tapped his tablet, and the itinerary appeared on the large screen before us.
Veridia Visit – Official Itinerary
12:00 PM – Departure from the Royal Estate: A motorcade will escort you to Veridia, ensuring a visible presence along the journey.
2:30 PM – Grand Plaza Arrival: A formal public welcome in the heart of the city, expected to draw thousands.
4:00 PM – Meeting with City Officials: Discussions regarding Veridia's ongoing development projects and cultural heritage conservation.
6:00 PM – Press Conference at Veridian Government Hall: Addressing the engagement and outlining the significance of the royal tour.
8:00 PM – Charity Gala at the Royal Opera House: An event attended by nobles, foreign diplomats, and influential figures.
I scanned the list, my stomach tightening at the sheer number of events crammed into one day.
"This is excessive," I muttered.
Sir Aldric raised an eyebrow. "It is necessary."
Alexander glanced at me, his expression unreadable. "The more we give them to talk about, the easier it will be to control the narrative."
I met his gaze, irritation simmering beneath my skin. "And if I don't want to play along?"
Sir Aldric sighed, already anticipating my resistance. "Then you will make things worse for yourself, Your Highness."
I scoffed but didn't argue. There was no winning here.
Sir Aldric pressed on. "Security measures have been put in place. The streets surrounding the Grand Plaza will be closed off, and additional officers will be stationed along your route."
"And the press?" Alexander asked.
"They'll be positioned strategically throughout the events. We want the engagement to appear organic, but every moment will be carefully managed."
Organic. What a joke.
I leaned back in my chair, arms crossed. "And how much affection are we expected to display?"
Sir Aldric met my gaze with a look that said he had no patience for my sarcasm. "Enough to be believable."
I exhaled sharply. "Perfect."
Alexander said nothing, simply nodding in understanding.
Sir Aldric shut his tablet. "Your car is ready. The people are waiting."
Two hours later, we were in the backseat of a sleek black luxury car, the centerpiece of a carefully orchestrated motorcade. Outside, cameras flashed, and crowds lined the streets leading out of the estate. People waved the flags of both Veridian and Avaloria, their expressions ranging from excitement to uncertainty.
I stared out the window, watching as the landscape shifted from sprawling countryside to towering cityscape.
Veridia.
A city of contrasts.
Here, centuries-old stone buildings stood proudly beside sleek glass towers, their steel and neon accents merging the past with the future. Cobblestone streets wove between futuristic transport hubs, and electric trams ran alongside horse-drawn carriages preserved for tradition. It was a place where history and progress coexisted, where the old and new struggled for dominance yet somehow thrived together.
It was my home.
And yet, it didn't feel like it today.
"You've been staring out the window for twenty minutes," Alexander remarked beside me.
I didn't turn. "Would you prefer I stare at you instead?"
He let out a quiet laugh. "I wouldn't mind."
I rolled my eyes. "Enjoying yourself?"
"I'm preparing."
I finally turned to look at him. "For what?"
"For Veridia. For the cameras. For you."
His gaze was steady, unreadable as always.
I exhaled. "You make it look easy."
Alexander tilted his head slightly. "It's not."
I wanted to believe him. But I still remembered that night two years ago. The way he had ignored me at the Eldoria Ball, making me feel like nothing.
I looked away. "Then you're just better at pretending than I am."
He didn't respond, and for a while, the only sound was the hum of the car.
The roads leading into Veridia grew busier. Crowds thickened along the sidewalks, news drones hovering above to capture our arrival from every angle.
As we approached the city's heart, the Grand Plaza came into view.
A sprawling space surrounded by historic buildings, it had once been the site of royal proclamations and revolutions alike. Now, it would bear witness to yet another performance—the grand arrival of two princes in love.
The car slowed. My pulse quickened.
Alexander adjusted his cufflinks, his movements effortless, practiced. "You ready?"
No.
But I gave him a sharp smile anyway. "Always."
The door opened, and the roar of the crowd swallowed us whole.
A Perfectly Crafted Welcome
The second we stepped out of the car, the performance began.
Alexander moved first, offering his hand—a silent invitation, a calculated gesture. I hesitated, just long enough for the cameras to catch the moment before I took it.
His palm was warm against mine, his grip steady.
We walked together toward the raised platform in the center of the plaza, waving to the crowd as we ascended the steps. Cheers erupted, though mixed among them were murmurs of doubt.
A man in a crisp navy suit approached—a government official, here to formally welcome us. "Your Highnesses, it is an honor to receive you both in Veridia."
Alexander smiled, his charm perfectly measured. "The honor is ours."
I forced myself to nod, my own smile practiced yet hollow.
Beside me, Alexander stood tall, unwavering.
I glanced at him from the corner of my eye.