The First Day In Veridia

The day Veridia awaited had arrived. The grand tour had officially begun.

We checked into our room at the Aureum Palace Hotel before making our way to the Grand Plaza.

Lucien sat in the sleek black limousine, his fingers drumming against the leather armrest as the vehicle weaved through the streets of the capital. Outside, Veridia shimmered in the morning light—a city that balanced history and modernity with effortless grace. Towering glass skyscrapers stretched toward the sky, their mirrored surfaces reflecting the sprawling stonework of centuries-old buildings. Digital billboards displayed moving images of him and Alexander, the official engagement portrait plastered across every major intersection.

He hated it.

Across from him, Alexander sat with his usual composed expression, his posture relaxed as if the weight of the entire kingdom wasn't pressing down on them both. He was scrolling through his phone, unaffected, while Lucien was wound tight, every muscle coiled with the urge to be anywhere but here.

They had barely spoken since the engagement party. What was there to say?

"We're almost at the Grand Plaza," came the voice of their royal coordinator from the front seat. "The crowd is estimated to be over fifty thousand. The media will be live-streaming the entire event, so be mindful of the cameras."

Lucien exhaled sharply. Be mindful of the cameras. He'd been mindful of them his entire life.

As the limousine slowed, the noise outside grew deafening—cheering, clapping, the occasional chant of their names. When the doors opened, a wave of sound crashed into them. The Grand Plaza, a massive square framed by gothic arches and futuristic glass facades, was packed with people. Banners in Veridian's emerald green and Avaloria's deep blue rippled in the breeze. Drones hovered in the air, capturing every possible angle of their arrival.

Lucien stepped out first, his tailored emerald suit catching the sunlight, its silver embroidery glinting like shattered stars. Alexander followed, dressed in a crisp navy ensemble accented with gold—a stark contrast to Lucien, yet complementary, as if the designers had deliberately woven together a picture-perfect tableau.

The crowd roared.

Lucien forced a smile as they made their way up the steps of the central stage, where a podium awaited. Government officials lined up behind them, standing stiffly in their ceremonial attire.

Alexander spoke first. "People of Veridia," he began, his voice smooth and authoritative. "It is an honor to stand before you today as both a representative of Avaloria and as a future member of your royal family." He paused, offering a charming smile. "Our engagement marks a new era of unity, one built on trust, strength, and a shared vision for the future."

The cheers grew louder.

Lucien stepped forward next. He scanned the crowd, his chest tight, but his voice remained steady. "Veridia is my home, my heart. And today, as we embark on this tour, I want to assure you all that this alliance is not just about politics—it is about people. It is about building something that will last for generations to come."

A sea of applause erupted.

The speech was over in minutes, but the act stretched on—waving, smiling, shaking hands. They descended from the stage, moving through the crowd in carefully orchestrated interactions. Children presented them with flowers, elderly citizens murmured their blessings, and cameras captured every second of it.

Lucien could feel the weight of Alexander's presence beside him, the way their shoulders brushed whenever they turned at the same time. It was a constant, unwanted reminder that they were bound together now.

The Press Conference was scheduled for the evening, and by the time they arrived at the Veridian Government Hall, exhaustion was creeping in.

The hall was grand—high glass ceilings, intricate gold filigree, and a massive digital display that looped news coverage of their engagement. Rows of journalists sat ready, microphones and cameras poised for every word.

Lucien took his seat beside Alexander at the long table, a microphone positioned in front of each of them. The royal press officer stood at the podium, introducing the event.

The first question came immediately.

"Prince Lucien, Prince Alexander, many citizens believe this engagement is purely political. Can you describe the moment you first realized you were in love?"

Lucien's pulse spiked. He knew this question was coming, but it still made his stomach turn.

Alexander, ever the performer, leaned slightly forward, a soft smile gracing his lips. "Love isn't always immediate. It can grow from the unexpected." His gaze flickered toward Lucien, and though it was all for show, it sent a shiver of irritation down his spine. "For us, it was realizing that despite our differences, we share the same hopes for our kingdoms, the same vision for the future. Although I admit that I did fall in love a little bit the first time I laid my eyes on him." Alexander said with a chuckle.

Lucien inhaled sharply, willing himself to match the performance. He tilted his head slightly, as if reminiscing. "There was a moment when I looked at him and realized… he wasn't who I thought he was." He let that sit, the ambiguity open to interpretation. Let the press make of it what they wanted.

More questions followed—some easy, some loaded. Every answer was calculated, rehearsed, polished until the truth was buried beneath layers of diplomacy.

By the time it was over, Lucien felt drained.

But the night wasn't done.

The Charity Gala at the Royal Opera House was the final event of the day.

The venue was breathtaking—a blend of classical and futuristic design, with marble columns supporting a ceiling of shimmering holographic constellations. The chandeliers cast a golden glow, illuminating the sea of nobles and foreign dignitaries dressed in their finest.

Lucien nursed a glass of wine as he stood near the balcony, looking down at the dance floor where Alexander was gracefully leading a noblewoman in conversation, all smiles and charm.

He was good at this. He belonged in this world.

"Enjoying yourself?"

Lucien turned to find Alexander standing beside him, his expression unreadable.

"Oh, immensely," Lucien said dryly. "Nothing like a night of false pretenses and strained diplomacy to really lift the spirit."

Alexander chuckled, swirling his own drink. "You play your part well."

"So do you."

Silence stretched between them.

Then Alexander sighed. "Look, I know you didn't want this. Neither did I."

Lucien's grip tightened around his glass. "Then why are you so damn good at pretending?"

Alexander's smirk faltered. "Because I don't have a choice."

Lucien turned fully to face him. "Neither do I. But that doesn't mean I have to like it."

A shadow passed over Alexander's face, and for a moment, Lucien thought he saw something real beneath the façade. But then the mask slipped back into place.

"Tomorrow," Alexander said, changing the subject, "we have a tour around the city"

Lucien exhaled. This was only the beginning.

The performance would continue.

And they would play their roles to perfection.