The Prince's Arranged Marriage
Chapter 32: Arriving Avaloria Pt 2

Chapter 32: Arriving Avaloria Pt 2

Lucien took a slow breath, steadying himself as he stepped onto Avalorian soil. The strange sinking feeling in his chest remained, but he pushed it aside. It was likely just his nerves. This was the second leg of their royal tour, the first time he would be away from Veridia for an extended period. It was natural to feel apprehensive. He decided not to dwell on it.

The moment they descended the steps of the jet, they were met with a grand display of Avalorian elegance. The dignitaries stood in a polished formation, dressed in Avaloria’s signature white and gold. The military presence was distinct, with soldiers standing at attention, their uniforms crisp and their expressions stoic. Beyond them, the citizens who had gathered waved Avalorian banners, their cheers filling the air.

Alexander, ever composed, offered a polite nod to the officials before glancing at Lucien. Lucien met his gaze, his own expression neutral. They had done this many times before—smiling, waving, maintaining the perfect image of a united front. So they did just that.

Once the formalities were completed, they were escorted to the sleek convoy of black cars waiting to take them to Valtoria Palace. As they settled inside, Lucien turned to Alexander. "So, this is your home," he mused, glancing out at the pristine streets lined with marble buildings, each adorned with intricate carvings and banners bearing the royal insignia. "It’s... impressive."

Alexander gave a small nod but said nothing. Lucien frowned slightly. Usually, Alexander would have had some dry remark ready, but now, he was unusually reserved. "You seem quieter than usual," Lucien commented.

"I suppose I am," Alexander admitted, his gaze fixed on the passing scenery. "It’s just... different, having you here."

Lucien raised an eyebrow. "Different how?"

Alexander hesitated for a moment before shaking his head. "It’s nothing."

Lucien narrowed his eyes slightly, sensing that Alexander wasn’t telling him everything. But before he could push further, Lady Genevieve cleared her throat from the front seat. "We should go over the schedule for your arrival," she said, drawing their attention.

Lucien exhaled quietly, letting the subject drop—at least for now.

---

The drive through Valtoria was nothing short of breathtaking. The city was a blend of history and modernity, its streets paved with smooth white stone, its towering buildings gleaming under the afternoon sun. The Scholar’s Quarter was a marvel, with grand libraries and academies housing some of the most brilliant minds in Avaloria. The markets bustled with life, merchants calling out in melodic Avalorian accents, their stalls filled with exotic goods, intricate tapestries, and rare enchanted artifacts.

Despite himself, Lucien found it difficult to tear his gaze away. Valtoria had a regal charm that was different from Veridia’s capital, Veridia City. Where Veridia was a balance of old-world grandeur and innovation, Valtoria was steeped in tradition and unshakable legacy.

As they neared the palace, the streets grew wider, the structures grander. Finally, the gates of Valtoria Palace came into view, towering and gilded, guarded by knights in gleaming white and gold armor. As their convoy rolled to a stop, footmen stepped forward to open the doors.

Lucien stepped out, immediately greeted by the imposing sight of Alexander’s parents. King Theron and Queen Lyra of Avaloria stood at the top of the grand staircase, their regal presence undeniable. King Theron had the same sharp, piercing gaze as Alexander, his stance authoritative. Queen Lyra was a vision of Avalorian grace, her golden gown flowing elegantly, her expression warm yet calculating.

"Welcome home, Alexander," Queen Lyra said first, her voice smooth as silk.

Alexander bowed his head slightly. "Mother. Father."

Then, Queen Lyra turned her gaze to Lucien, a polite smile gracing her lips. "Prince Lucien, it is an honor to welcome you to Avaloria."

Lucien returned the smile, inclining his head. "The honor is mine, Your Majesty."

King Theron’s gaze remained unreadable, but he gave a slow nod. "We have prepared a dinner in your honor. You must both be tired from your travels, but I trust you’ll join us."

"Of course," Lucien replied smoothly.

With that, they were led inside. The palace was as grand as one would expect of Avaloria’s royal residence—vaulted ceilings, gilded chandeliers, towering stained-glass windows that depicted Avaloria’s storied past. The halls exuded an air of centuries-old power, each corridor lined with oil paintings of Avaloria’s previous monarchs.

As they walked, Lucien noted the way the palace staff glanced at him, curiosity evident in their eyes. He supposed it was to be expected. He was the outsider here, after all.

The dining hall was already prepared when they arrived. A long, elegant table stretched across the center of the room, adorned with golden candelabras and a feast fit for royalty. As they took their seats, Lucien found himself next to Alexander, with the king and queen seated at the head of the table.

Once the first course was served, the conversation remained light—mostly pleasantries and discussions about the journey. But there was an underlying tension in the air, an unspoken expectation hanging over them.

Finally, Queen Lyra set down her glass of wine, her eyes settling on Lucien. "I trust your time in Veridia has been enlightening, Alexander. And I hope that Veridia has treated you well, Prince Lucien."

Lucien met her gaze evenly. "It has been an experience unlike any other, Your Majesty. I’ve come to understand my people in a way I hadn’t before."

King Theron nodded. "That is the purpose of this tour, after all—to learn, to understand, and to strengthen the bond between our kingdoms."

Lucien couldn’t help but feel the weight of those words. This arrangement, this entire charade, was not just for show. It carried real expectations, real consequences.

The dinner continued, filled with discussions about Avaloria, its upcoming events, and their schedule for the next few days. Despite the formality of it all, Lucien couldn’t shake the feeling that he was being carefully assessed.

By the time the meal concluded, the exhaustion of the day was beginning to weigh on him. As they rose from their seats, Queen Lyra addressed them once more. "Tomorrow, we will officially introduce Prince Lucien to the court. There will be much to discuss."

Lucien simply nodded. He had expected nothing less.

As they were escorted to their chambers for the night, Lucien glanced at Alexander. "Are you always this quiet when you return home?"

Alexander’s lips pressed into a thin line before he exhaled. "There are expectations here, Lucien. It is... different."

Lucien studied him for a moment before nodding. He understood that feeling all too well.

As he entered his chamber and the doors closed behind him, Lucien let out a slow breath. Tomorrow, the real challenge would begin.