The Prince's Arranged Marriage
Chapter 29: The first leg

Chapter 29: The first leg

The meeting chamber was a grand yet austere room, its high ceilings adorned with intricate frescoes depicting Veridia’s long and storied history. Sunlight streamed through tall arched windows, casting golden hues across the polished mahogany table where Lucien, Alexander, King Christopher, Queen Alicia, Lady Genevieve, and Sir Aldric Fairmont, the Chief Royal Press Officer, were seated. The atmosphere was heavy with expectation as they gathered to discuss the results of the first leg of the royal tour.

Lucien sat with his hands clasped, his posture rigid. He had spent months traveling through Veridia, meeting its people, hearing their concerns, and witnessing the reality of their struggles. Now, he was finally in a position to address them.

King Christopher was the first to speak. "The first leg of the tour has come to an end, and now we must evaluate its success. Lady Genevieve, Sir Aldric, please present your findings."

Lady Genevieve, ever composed, unfolded a neatly organized report. "Your Majesties, Princes, the overall reception of the tour has been largely positive. Public sentiment has improved, and the engagement between Prince Lucien and Prince Alexander is being perceived as a sign of unity. The people are beginning to trust in this alliance."

Sir Aldric adjusted his spectacles and added, "Reports from various cities indicate increased morale, especially among the merchant class and intellectual circles. The speeches, charitable events, and direct engagement with the people have fostered a stronger connection between the monarchy and the citizens. However—" he paused, looking at Lucien, "—there have been concerns raised regarding the economic state of several cities."

Lucien leaned forward, his voice firm. "I noticed that too. Many of the people we spoke to expressed their struggles. At first, I thought it was isolated to a few towns, but by the time we reached Solara, the signs were undeniable. Families struggling to afford basic necessities, merchants unable to sell their goods due to high tariffs, and farmers barely making enough to sustain their livelihoods."

Queen Alicia exchanged a glance with King Christopher before asking, "What do you propose?"

Lucien took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. "First, the trade routes need to be reassessed. We met merchants in Ashenport and Frostford who spoke about how imported goods are becoming too expensive due to excessive taxation. Meanwhile, local goods aren’t reaching the right markets. If we collaborate with Avaloria, perhaps we can establish more favorable trade agreements that benefit both kingdoms."

Alexander, who had been listening intently, nodded. "That’s possible. Avaloria’s ports have access to a wider network of trade routes. We could arrange for Veridian goods to be distributed through those channels, reducing costs and opening up new markets."

Sir Aldric tapped his fingers against the table. "That would not only stabilize the economy but also reinforce the alliance between our kingdoms in a practical, tangible way."

King Christopher listened carefully before responding. "And what of the citizens’ daily struggles? Trade agreements take time to negotiate. The people need relief now."

Lucien hesitated before answering. "Subsidies for essential goods. Temporary relief for struggling farmers and merchants. The royal treasury has the means to assist, at least until larger solutions take effect."

Queen Alicia’s expression softened. "You have been thinking about this deeply."

Lucien met her gaze. "Because I saw it firsthand. It’s one thing to read reports, but standing in a marketplace and hearing a mother worry about feeding her children makes it real."

Alexander spoke up again. "Avaloria can offer aid as well. If we coordinate efforts, we can provide food supplies and financial assistance to help alleviate some of the immediate burdens."

Lady Genevieve smiled slightly. "The public would view such an act as a symbol of the strength of your union. It would solidify their belief in this alliance."

Lucien resisted the urge to scoff. He wasn’t doing this for appearances, but if it helped their cause, he wouldn’t argue.

King Christopher sat back, deep in thought. "We will review the financial aspects and see what can be implemented immediately. Sir Aldric, you will oversee the public messaging on this matter. Lady Genevieve, coordinate with Avaloria’s representatives to begin discussions on trade agreements."

Lucien let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. For the first time, he felt that his voice was making a difference.

The meeting continued for some time, with discussions on logistics, implementation, and future strategies. By the end, there was a plan in motion—one that could help the people of Veridia and reinforce the alliance in a meaningful way.

As the meeting concluded, Alexander caught Lucien’s eye and gave him a small nod, a silent acknowledgment of their shared purpose. Lucien wasn’t sure what their future held, but at least for now, they were working toward something greater than themselves.

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