The Prince's Arranged Marriage
Chapter 22: Ironholde

Chapter 22: Ironholde

The journey to Ironholde was a stark contrast to the winding canals and shadowed streets of Shadowfen. As the carriage rumbled forward, the mist gave way to rolling hills and rugged terrain. The land here was untamed, its beauty raw and unpolished. Jagged cliffs loomed in the distance, their dark silhouettes rising like the spines of ancient beasts against the steel-gray sky. Rivers carved through the valley, their waters cutting deep scars into the earth, and small villages clung to the foothills, their homes built of sturdy stone to withstand the elements.

Lucien pressed his forehead against the cool glass of the carriage window, watching the scenery shift. Ironholde was a city forged from endurance. It stood at the edge of the mountains, its very foundation carved from the rock itself. Unlike Veridia’s grandeur or Shadowfen’s enigmatic charm, Ironholde was built for survival. Towering fortifications framed its entrance, and beyond the gates lay streets paved with slate, flanked by austere, iron-laced buildings that bore the marks of time and toil. The scent of coal and metal lingered in the air, mingling with the crisp mountain wind.

"It’s formidable," Lucien murmured, his breath fogging against the glass.

"Ironholde has always been more fortress than city," Alexander remarked, his gaze fixed on the approaching walls. "It was once a strategic stronghold during the old wars. The people here are as unyielding as the stone they carve their homes from."

Lucien smirked. "Sounds like your kind of place."

Alexander huffed a quiet laugh. "And what does that mean?"

Lucien turned to face him, his expression playfully scrutinizing. "Stoic, built for function, impossible to breach—reminds me of you."

Alexander tilted his head, lips quirking in amusement. "If I didn’t know better, I’d say that was a compliment."

"Don’t get used to it."

The moment the carriage passed through Ironholde’s gates, the rhythmic clang of blacksmiths’ hammers filled the air. The forges burned bright even in the afternoon light, their embers flickering like captured stars. Smiths and apprentices worked tirelessly, crafting weapons, armor, and intricate metalworks that would be traded across the kingdoms. Merchants lined the main thoroughfare, their wares gleaming under the dim light of lanterns. Here, craftsmanship was revered, and the people of Ironholde took pride in their work.

As they made their way through the bustling streets, Lucien found himself drawn to the rows of weapon stalls displaying masterfully forged swords and daggers. He picked up a blade with a silver hilt, its balance near perfect.

"Thinking of replacing the one you already have?" Alexander asked, stepping beside him.

Lucien twirled the blade lightly in his grip, testing its weight. "It doesn’t hurt to have options."

"It does when you’re carrying five knives on you already."

Lucien grinned, returning the weapon to its display. "A prince must always be prepared."

Their visit to Ironholde ended with a private gathering at the city’s great hall, where the elders of the city welcomed them with a feast. The meal was hearty—roasted game, dark bread, and spiced mead that burned on the way down. The conversation was straightforward, lacking the veiled pleasantries of court life. Here, respect was earned through deeds, not titles. And despite his usual distaste for political affairs, Lucien found that he didn’t mind the company.

The following morning, they set out for Ashenport. The road was long, winding down from the mountains into the lowlands where the scent of salt began to tinge the air. As they neared the coast, the terrain shifted once more—golden fields gave way to rocky shores, and in the distance, the sea stretched toward the horizon, a vast and endless blue.

Ashenport was a city of sailors and traders, where the cries of seagulls mixed with the shouts of dockworkers hauling cargo. Ships of all sizes filled the harbor, their sails billowing like ghosts against the sky. The city itself was built in tiers, rising from the waterfront in a cascade of white-washed buildings and winding streets that twisted like the tides. The scent of brine and fish hung heavy in the air, mingling with the aroma of freshly baked bread from the market stalls.

Lucien inhaled deeply, letting the cool sea breeze wash over him. "I’d forgotten how much I love the ocean."

Alexander glanced at him. "I didn’t take you for the seafaring type."

"Not seafaring—just the sea itself. There’s something... freeing about it."

For a moment, Alexander was silent, then he murmured, "I suppose there is."

Their first stop was the docks, where they observed shipbuilders at work, their tools ringing against the wood as they repaired vessels fresh from their latest journeys. Sailors swapped tales of distant lands, and merchants bartered over crates filled with spices, textiles, and rare gems. Lucien found himself lost in the rhythm of the place, drawn in by the sheer vibrancy of life at the port.

A group of children ran past them, laughing as they weaved between the crowds. One of them, a boy no older than ten, skidded to a halt in front of Lucien, eyes wide with recognition.

"Prince Lucien!" he blurted, breathless. "Is it true you once fought off a band of thieves in the capital?"

Lucien chuckled, crouching to meet the boy’s gaze. "Who told you that?"

"My brother! He says you’re the best swordsman in Veridian."

Lucien glanced at Alexander, who was watching with amusement. "Well," he said, lowering his voice conspiratorially, "your brother might be exaggerating. But let’s not tell him that."

The boy grinned, then darted off to rejoin his friends, leaving Lucien shaking his head.

As evening fell, they were invited to a grand banquet held in their honor at the governor’s estate. The hall was adorned with banners depicting Ashenport’s maritime history, and the feast was a lavish affair, featuring an array of seafood dishes and fine Avalorian wines. Music filled the air, the sound of stringed instruments and rhythmic drumming setting an almost hypnotic pace. The guests danced, the floor alive with movement and laughter.

Lucien found himself standing at the balcony, watching the waves crash against the shore below. Alexander joined him, leaning against the railing. "Thinking of running away to sea?"

Lucien exhaled a laugh. "Tempting. But no. Just... enjoying the moment."

Alexander nodded, his gaze drifting to the horizon. "It’s strange, isn’t it? That this tour is nearly over."

Lucien glanced at him. "I thought you hated it."

Alexander hesitated, then gave him a sidelong look. "And I thought you hated me."

Lucien smirked, but the teasing edge lacked its usual sharpness. "Maybe I did."

Alexander didn’t press him for more. Instead, they stood there, listening to the ocean’s endless song, as the stars began to light up the night sky.

For the first time since the tour began, Lucien wasn’t sure what he felt. And that, more than anything, unsettled him.

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