The Prince's Arranged Marriage
Chapter 33: Valtoria

Chapter 33: Valtoria

Lucien awoke to the soft golden glow of morning light filtering through the tall windows of his chamber in Valtoria Palace. For a brief moment, he lay still, allowing himself to adjust to the unfamiliar ceiling above him, the scent of Avalorian incense lingering in the air. Today marked the true beginning of the second leg of their royal tour—an extensive exploration of Valtoria, Avaloria’s grand capital.

Despite the strange unease he had felt upon arriving, Lucien reminded himself that this was an opportunity. An opportunity to understand Alexander’s homeland, to see firsthand the city that shaped the prince he was engaged to. He pushed off the covers and rose, readying himself for the day ahead.

By the time he stepped into the hall, Alexander was already waiting, dressed in Avalorian attire—a deep blue tunic adorned with gold embroidery, a sign of the royal lineage he bore. Lucien had opted for an ensemble provided by Avaloria’s royal tailors, a flowing ivory tunic with intricate silver stitching, paired with a high-collared navy coat.

"You look like a proper Avalorian prince," Alexander noted, his tone unreadable.

Lucien arched an eyebrow. "And you look even more like one. Shall we begin?"

With a nod from Alexander, the royal entourage set out from the palace, accompanied by Lady Genevieve and several high-ranking officials. Their first destination was the Scholar’s Quarter, home to Avaloria’s most esteemed academies and libraries. As they entered the district, Lucien found himself mesmerized by the towering ivory spires and elaborate stained-glass windows that depicted Avaloria’s great scholars and philosophers. Students in flowing robes hurried along the cobbled paths, some clutching parchment scrolls, others engaged in heated debates.

"This is where Avaloria’s brightest minds come to learn and teach," Alexander explained, gesturing toward the grand library at the heart of the quarter. "Generations of scholars have passed through these halls."

Lucien could feel the weight of history in the air. He followed Alexander into the library, where an elderly scholar greeted them. "Your Highnesses," the man bowed. "It is an honor to have you here."

They were given a brief tour of the vast halls, where towering shelves housed ancient tomes and delicate manuscripts. Lucien was particularly drawn to a section dedicated to inter-kingdom relations. He ran a gloved hand over the worn spines of the books, pondering what knowledge they held about Avaloria and Veridia’s shared history.

As they exited the Scholar’s Quarter, their next stop was the Valtorian Colonnade, an expansive promenade lined with marble statues of Avaloria’s greatest rulers. Each figure, carved with impeccable detail, exuded an air of regal authority.

Lucien halted in front of one in particular—King Aldric the Just. "He was the one who brokered the first peace treaty with Veridia centuries ago, wasn’t he?"

Alexander nodded. "Yes. A visionary ruler. He believed that Avaloria and Veridia would be stronger together than apart."

Lucien studied the statue for a moment longer, then turned his gaze to Alexander. "Do you believe that?"

Alexander’s expression was unreadable. "I believe that history has a way of repeating itself, for better or worse."

Before Lucien could press further, they continued onward, heading toward the Royal Forum. Here, Avaloria’s council gathered to debate and shape the kingdom’s future. The forum’s grand pillars stretched high above them, and the echoes of past discussions seemed to linger in the vast chamber. They were introduced to several council members, who shared their perspectives on Avaloria’s governance and diplomatic strategies.

"We are honored to have you here, Prince Lucien," one councilor said. "Your insights into Veridia’s policies could prove invaluable in strengthening our alliance."

Lucien gave a polite nod but did not miss the weight behind the words. This visit was more than just a tour—it was a test, an evaluation of his place in Avaloria’s future.

By midday, they ventured into Valtoria’s bustling markets, where the scents of spiced meats and exotic perfumes filled the air. Merchants called out their wares—intricate Avalorian tapestries, rare enchanted jewelry, and fine calligraphy scrolls.

A vendor caught Lucien’s eye, holding up a delicate silver ring embedded with a deep blue gemstone. "A token for your betrothed, Your Highness?" the merchant asked with a knowing smile.

Lucien glanced at Alexander, who raised an eyebrow but said nothing. After a pause, Lucien shook his head. "Perhaps another time."

As the sun began its descent, the city transformed. Lanterns flickered to life, casting a golden glow over the streets. The air buzzed with the sounds of evening festivities, elegant soirees unfolding behind grand manor gates.

Returning to the palace, Lucien reflected on the day’s events. Valtoria was a city of undeniable grandeur, but beneath its beauty lay layers of expectation and history. And as much as he had learned about Avaloria, he knew that this was only the beginning.

Tomorrow, they would journey beyond Valtoria’s walls, deeper into the heart of Avaloria. And with it, Lucien suspected, would come even more revelations.

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