Prince Thane trudged back to his room, his sour mood a testament to the exhausting day he'd spent with the Lunaria Princess.
Reflecting on their conversation about the "mate" topic, he felt a surge of pride at having brought it up. This clever move would provide him with a solid excuse to refuse the Princess's hand in marriage, should the royal couple try to force their daughter upon him.
Just as he was about to turn the corner leading to his room, he halted and spun around to confront the figure lurking in the shadows.
Wonderful, as expected of the Crown Prince of the Valtoria Kingdom," a figure commented, applauding as he emerged from the shadows. Prince Thane's eyes narrowed slightly as he recognized the newcomer. "Prince Mike Darkfur of the Lunaria Kingdom," he greeted, his tone neutral.
Prince Mike stopped a few steps away, his friendly demeanor unwavering.