The Prince's Arranged Marriage
Chapter 27: Back to Veridia

Chapter 27: Back to Veridia

The evening in Solara was nothing short of mesmerizing. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the golden sands took on a fiery glow, casting long shadows over the oasis city. The cool night air carried the scent of blooming jasmine and citrus, a stark contrast to the scorching heat of the day. Lanterns lined the streets, illuminating the intricate sandstone buildings with a warm, amber light. Music drifted from the central square, where performers entertained a gathered crowd with traditional dances and melodies played on stringed instruments.

Lucien and Alexander had spent the afternoon fulfilling their royal duties—meeting with local dignitaries, discussing the economic and cultural significance of Solara, and touring its famed gardens. But as night fell, they were given a rare moment of respite. A private dinner had been arranged in a courtyard overlooking a reflecting pool. The meal was a feast of spiced lamb, saffron rice, and honey-drenched pastries. Despite the luxurious setting, Lucien found his thoughts wandering.

He glanced at Alexander, who, for once, seemed at ease. The candlelight softened his features, making him look less like the frustrating prince Lucien had come to tolerate and more like someone he could—No. He pushed the thought away.

Instead, he focused on the conversation around him, exchanging polite words with Solara’s governor and the invited guests. The evening was pleasant, but there was a weight in the air that Lucien couldn’t shake. Their time in Veridian was nearly up. Soon, they would be heading into unfamiliar territory, to the kingdom of Avaloria, where the expectations and scrutiny would only intensify.

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The journey back to Veridia began early the next morning. As they departed Solara, Lucien found himself lingering in the moment. The vast desert stretched endlessly before them, waves of golden dunes shifting with the wind. The caravan of royal cars glided along the well-worn road, the hum of the engines the only sound in the otherwise quiet expanse.

Lucien watched from the window as the desert gradually gave way to sparse vegetation. Small clusters of palm trees and hardy shrubs dotted the landscape, their resilience a testament to nature’s ability to thrive even in the harshest conditions. He had spent much of the first leg of the tour marveling at the diversity of Veridian’s landscapes, but Solara’s beauty had left a lasting impression on him. How could something so breathtaking exist in a place so unforgiving?

As they drove further north, the scenery transformed once more. The golden dunes were replaced by rolling grasslands, and soon, the familiar sight of Veridian’s grand highways came into view. The roads were lined with travelers, merchants, and farmers transporting goods, a reminder of the kingdom’s intricate economic web.

Hours passed, and then, finally, Veridia’s towering skyline appeared in the distance. The capital, a beacon of grandeur, rose against the midday sky, its spires and domes gleaming in the sunlight. As they neared the city gates, Lucien noticed the crowds gathered along the streets. The citizens of Veridia had come out in droves to welcome them home.

Banners bearing the royal crest waved in the breeze, and voices cheered as their convoy entered the heart of the capital. Lucien felt a mix of emotions—pride, relief, and an underlying sense of responsibility. The first leg of the tour was over, but their journey was far from complete.

Alexander turned to him, a small, knowing smile on his lips. "We made it."

Lucien exhaled slowly, returning the smile, if only briefly. "Yes. We did."

The first leg of the tour had changed many things, but the biggest changes were the ones he couldn’t quite put into words just yet.

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