The Prince's Arranged Marriage
Chapter 24: Ashenport

Chapter 24: Ashenport

The journey to Ashenport was long, the scenery shifting from rolling green hills to the rocky coastline that marked the edge of Veridian. The car rumbled over uneven roads, the scent of salt and brine growing stronger with each passing mile. Seagulls circled overhead, their cries blending with the distant crash of waves. Ashenport, a city built on the foundation of trade and fishing, loomed ahead, its stone walls weathered by the sea breeze. The harbor was alive with activity—sailors unloading crates, merchants haggling over the price of freshly caught fish, and children weaving through the crowds with baskets in hand.

Lucien leaned against the car window, watching the city come into view. His mind was restless. Ashenport was one of Veridian’s key port cities, yet even from a distance, he could see signs of its decline. The docks weren’t as busy as they should have been, and some ships bore tattered sails, a quiet testament to hard times.

Their itinerary in Ashenport was packed. They were scheduled to visit the shipyards first, where they would meet with craftsmen and sailors to discuss the state of maritime trade. Afterward, they would tour the bustling fish market and speak with the vendors. The day would end with a formal dinner at the governor’s estate, where influential figures of Ashenport would gather to discuss the economic concerns of the region.

The visit to the shipyards was eye-opening. The head shipbuilder, a grizzled man named Marek, spoke candidly about the difficulties they faced. "Fewer contracts, fewer resources," he admitted. "We can build the finest ships in Veridian, but without steady demand, our docks grow quieter by the day."

Lucien listened carefully, asking pointed questions. He could see the respect in Marek’s eyes. Not just for his title, but for the fact that he was genuinely paying attention.

Alexander, of course, played his part flawlessly. "Investment in maritime trade will be a focus in the coming months," he assured Marek. "Stronger alliances mean stronger commerce."

Lucien barely resisted rolling his eyes. Alexander always knew the right thing to say.

At the fish market, the scent of salt and freshly caught seafood filled the air. Vendors called out their wares, but it was clear they were pushing hard for sales. Lucien stopped at one stall where an older woman, Madame Renna, was arranging fish on a bed of crushed ice.

"Business has been slow?" he asked.

She sighed, wiping her hands on her apron. "Aye, Your Highness. Fewer merchants coming in, and people don’t have as much to spend."

Lucien glanced at the fish—fresh, well-cut, yet priced lower than they should have been. He bought a bundle, despite having no need for them, and pressed extra coin into her palm. She hesitated before taking it, gratitude shining in her eyes.

That night, at the governor’s estate, the dinner was formal but tense. Discussions about trade and the economy were laced with worry, but Alexander and Lucien both played their roles well, offering reassurances and strategies. By the time they retired for the night, Lucien’s mind was heavy with thoughts.

The journey from Ashenport to Frostford was colder, the salty air replaced by crisp mountain winds as they traveled inland. The transition was striking—Ashenport’s maritime blues and grays gave way to the deep greens and whites of the Frostford region, where towering pines lined the roads and snow capped the distant mountains.

Frostford was known for its iron mines and skilled blacksmiths. Their first stop was the largest forge in the city, where the heat from the flames contrasted sharply with the cold outside. The blacksmiths demonstrated their craft, producing weapons and armor with expert precision.

Lucien watched as a young apprentice struggled with a piece of metal, his frustration evident. Before he could think better of it, Lucien stepped forward. "Let me try."

The blacksmith chuckled. "Ever held a hammer before, Your Highness?"

Lucien smirked. "Once or twice."

Under the watchful gaze of the blacksmith, he took the hammer and struck the heated metal, sparks flying. The motion was familiar, a skill he had learned in his youth but rarely had the chance to use. When he stepped back, the apprentice looked both awed and embarrassed. "You make it look easy."

Lucien handed him the hammer. "It never is. Keep practicing."

Alexander, who had been watching silently, finally spoke as they left the forge. "I didn’t know you had experience with smithing."

Lucien shrugged. "There’s a lot you don’t know about me."

The next part of their itinerary took them to Frostford’s mines. The descent underground was eerie, the tunnels stretching far beneath the earth. Miners greeted them with nods of respect, their faces covered in soot. The conditions weren’t as dire as Lucien had feared, but they weren’t ideal either. Safety regulations needed improvement, and the pay wasn’t keeping up with the rising costs of living.

By the time they returned to the surface, Lucien’s head was pounding. He knew what was coming next—the second leg of the tour loomed closer, bringing new pressures, new expectations.

That night, back at their quarters, Alexander spoke up. "You’ve been quiet."

Lucien, still lost in thought, barely looked up. "I’m thinking."

Alexander tilted his head. "About what?"

Lucien exhaled sharply. "About everything. About the fact that this isn’t just a performance. Veridian is struggling. And we’re supposed to convince everyone that this marriage is the solution."

Alexander was silent for a moment. "And you’re realizing it might actually help."

Lucien hated that he was right. He hated that he was starting to understand why this arrangement was necessary. And he hated that he was losing control over his own fate.

Something inside him snapped. "I don’t need you telling me what I’m realizing," he said sharply, standing from his seat. "I don’t need you analyzing me like I’m some puzzle to solve."

Alexander’s eyes darkened. "I wasn’t."

Lucien ran a hand through his hair, frustrated with everything—himself, Alexander, this entire situation. "I just—I need space."

Alexander studied him for a moment, then nodded once. "Fine."

He left the room without another word.

Lucien sat back down, exhaling. He had been holding in too much. The weight of the tour, the expectations, the truths he couldn’t ignore—it was all pressing down on him.

And now, with only a city left before the tour of Veridian was over, he wasn’t sure what he was supposed to feel anymore.