The Prince's Arranged Marriage
Chapter 26: Solara

Chapter 26: Solara

The journey to Solara was unlike any other they had taken so far. As they left Frostford behind, the landscape changed dramatically. The towering pines and snow-capped peaks gave way to rolling dunes, their golden hues stretching endlessly beneath the blazing sun. The further they traveled, the more the world seemed to shimmer, heat waves dancing over the sand.

Lucien sat by the window, watching the desert unfold before him. The sky was vast and cloudless, an expanse of blue that seemed untouched by time. He had never seen anything like it before. The sheer emptiness of it all, the way the wind sculpted the dunes into ever-changing shapes—it was mesmerizing. And yet, amidst this barren land, a city thrived.

Solara emerged like a mirage on the horizon, its ivory walls gleaming under the sunlight. Palm trees swayed gently in the oasis that surrounded it, their green leaves a stark contrast to the golden desert. Towers of intricate design rose high, their domes adorned with mosaics that reflected the sun’s rays. Water flowed freely through aqueducts and fountains, a marvel of engineering in a place where water should have been scarce.

Lucien couldn’t help but marvel at the sight. How could such beauty exist in the middle of a wasteland? It was a city of contradictions—flourishing where it shouldn’t, thriving despite the odds. Perhaps, in a way, it reminded him of himself.

Their arrival was met with great fanfare. The streets were lined with people, their clothes vibrant and flowing, a testament to Solara’s rich culture. Musicians played instruments Lucien had never heard before, their melodies weaving through the air like whispers of the past. Children tossed flower petals as their car passed, their laughter ringing through the streets.

Their itinerary in Solara was packed. The first stop was the Grand Oasis, the heart of the city. It was a vast expanse of crystal-clear water, surrounded by lush gardens filled with exotic flowers and fruit-bearing trees. It was said that the oasis had never run dry, a gift from the gods themselves.

As they walked along the pathways, Alexander turned to Lucien. "It’s hard to believe this is real, isn’t it?"

Lucien nodded, still in awe. "I never imagined a place like this could exist. It’s... breathtaking."

They met with the city’s scholars and engineers, who explained the intricate irrigation system that kept Solara flourishing. Lucien listened intently, fascinated by the ingenuity of it all. It was a testament to human resilience, to the ability to carve life out of the harshest environments.

The next stop was the Sun Market, a bustling hub of trade. Stalls overflowed with goods—spices that filled the air with intoxicating scents, silks that shimmered like liquid gold, and jewelry crafted with gems that caught the light in dazzling displays. Lucien spoke with merchants, listening to their stories of travel and trade, of hardships and triumphs.

One vendor, an elderly man with a lined face and warm eyes, handed Lucien a small vial of perfume. "A gift, Your Highness. Made from the rarest flowers of the oasis. May its scent remind you of Solara."

Lucien accepted it with a nod. "Thank you. I’ll treasure it."

The day continued with visits to Solara’s famed sunstone mines, where workers carefully extracted the luminous stones that were used in jewelry and architecture. They met with the city’s council, discussing trade agreements and the possibility of stronger alliances. The talks were productive, but Lucien’s mind remained elsewhere, his thoughts lingering on the city itself, on its ability to thrive despite adversity.

As the evening approached, they were taken on a surprise excursion—camel riding in the desert. Lucien had never ridden a camel before, and he wasn’t entirely sure how he felt about it. The creatures were taller than he expected, their expressions almost smug as they knelt to allow them to mount.

"You look hesitant," Alexander remarked as he climbed onto his own camel with ease.

Lucien scowled. "I’m assessing the situation."

Alexander smirked. "Ah, of course. Assess away."

With some difficulty, Lucien managed to get onto his camel. The animal stood abruptly, nearly throwing him forward. He gripped the reins tightly, glaring at Alexander, who was clearly enjoying himself far too much.

They rode through the desert as the sun began to set, the sky painted in shades of gold, orange, and deep purple. The wind was cool against Lucien’s skin, a stark contrast to the day’s heat. The desert, once harsh and unyielding, now felt almost serene.

Lucien found himself lost in thought. He had spent so much of this tour fighting against it, resenting every moment of this arrangement. But now, as he looked at the beauty surrounding him, he realized he had seen more of Veridian than he ever had before. And he had learned more—about the struggles of his people, about the strength it took to survive, about the things worth fighting for.

He exhaled, feeling the weight of it all pressing down on him.

"You’ve been quiet all day," Alexander said, his voice breaking through the silence. "What’s wrong?"

Lucien hesitated. He didn’t want to talk about it. But for some reason, in this moment, with only the desert around them, he found himself speaking.

"It’s everything," he admitted. "This tour, this marriage, this... responsibility. It’s not just for show, is it? People are counting on us. Veridian needs stability, needs alliances. And despite how much I hated this arrangement, I’m starting to understand why it was necessary."

Alexander was silent for a moment before he said, "Understanding doesn’t mean you have to like it."

Lucien huffed a quiet laugh. "No, it doesn’t. But it makes it harder to fight against."

Alexander glanced at him. "You don’t have to fight alone."

Lucien met his gaze, something shifting between them. For the first time, he didn’t feel like Alexander was his adversary. They were both trapped in this situation, both carrying the weight of expectations. And maybe, just maybe, they could carry it together.

The ride continued in silence, but it was a different kind of silence—one that wasn’t heavy with resentment but rather with understanding.

As they returned to Solara, the city lights twinkling in the distance, Lucien felt a strange sense of peace. The tour was nearing its first major milestone, and there were still many challenges ahead. But for the first time, he didn’t feel entirely alone in facing them.

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