Free Day

The morning in Riverbed was slow and unhurried, the air thick with the scent of fresh bread, blooming flowers, and the faint, earthy aroma of the river. It was one of those rare days in the royal tour—no official engagements, no speeches, no finely curated itineraries crafted by Lady Genevieve. Just an open day to explore at their leisure.

Lucien had initially been skeptical about the idea. The thought of wandering aimlessly with Alexander, of all people, seemed a recipe for irritation. But as they set out into the lively streets, weaving through the bustling morning market, he found himself relaxing into the rhythm of the city.

Riverbed, with its warm, welcoming people and vibrant energy, had a way of making everything feel lighter. Merchants called out their wares, children darted through the streets carrying bundles of flowers, and the river shimmered in the distance, its slow-moving waters a constant, soothing presence.

"Tell me, Your Highness," Alexander mused as they passed a bakery, "are you capable of having fun without a formal agenda? Or do you need Lady Genevieve to schedule your enjoyment for you?"

Lucien shot him a look. "You're one to talk. I doubt you know how to function without an entourage ensuring every step you take is approved by your council."

Alexander smirked. "And yet, here we are. Just two princes, aimlessly wandering the streets. I believe that makes me the freer spirit."

Lucien scoffed but didn't argue. Instead, his attention was drawn to a vendor selling golden, sugar-dusted pastries. Without hesitation, he bought one, biting into the flaky, sweet treat with an almost indecent amount of satisfaction.

Alexander raised a brow. "Didn't peg you for someone with a sweet tooth."

"I don't," Lucien replied, licking sugar off his fingers. "I have a pastry tooth. Completely different."

Alexander chuckled before buying one for himself. He took a bite, his expression briefly betraying his enjoyment before he masked it with his usual nonchalance. "Fine choice," he admitted. "Though I imagine you'll deny copying me."

"Obviously. I simply have excellent taste, and you happen to benefit from it."

They continued through the market, sampling everything from spiced roasted nuts to savory river fish skewers. Lucien had never been one to indulge in street food during official visits, always opting for the safer, more polished meals served at formal banquets. But here, with no court expectations, he found himself enjoying the casual experience more than he cared to admit.

At one point, they stumbled upon a small café tucked between two vendor stalls. The owner, an elderly woman with sharp eyes and a kind smile, insisted they try her famous Riverbed tea—a fragrant blend of local herbs and citrus.

Lucien took a careful sip, then let out a pleased sigh. "I might have to smuggle this back home."

Alexander, having taken his own sip, nodded approvingly. "For once, I agree with you."

Lucien placed a dramatic hand over his heart. "Careful, Alexander. Agreeing with me twice in one day? Next thing I know, you'll be admitting I'm charming."

Alexander leaned back in his chair, eyes gleaming with amusement. "Let's not get carried away."

Their banter continued as they wandered through the city. They debated the best method for eating fruit tarts (Lucien insisted on savoring each bite, Alexander argued for efficiency). They discussed childhood memories—though both carefully avoided anything too personal. And at one point, Lucien found himself laughing—actually laughing—when Alexander made an exaggeratedly terrible attempt at mimicking his posture and formal tone.

As the afternoon stretched on, they found themselves by the river, watching boats drift lazily along the water. The sky had turned a brilliant shade of gold, the sun beginning its descent, casting long shadows over the city.

"You know," Alexander said after a moment of silence, "I didn't expect this tour to have… moments like this."

Lucien glanced at him. "Like what? Enjoyable ones?"

Alexander smirked. "Something like that."

Lucien turned back to the water, watching the way the ripples distorted the reflection of the sky. "Me neither."

They didn't speak after that, but the silence between them was no longer tense, no longer brimming with the weight of expectations and unspoken resentments. For the first time since the engagement had been announced, Lucien didn't feel like he was merely enduring Alexander's presence. He still didn't know what to make of that.

By the time the evening rolled in, the streets of Riverbed were transformed into something even more enchanting. Lanterns swayed from wooden beams, casting golden light over the cobblestone paths. The distant melody of a violin floated through the air, a street musician playing a soft, mesmerizing tune that seemed to weave its way into the very atmosphere of the town.

Lucien and Alexander found themselves drawn toward a small outdoor dining space where tables were set along the river's edge. The owner, recognizing them instantly, offered them a seat with a knowing smile.

"You must try the river eel stew," she insisted. "A specialty of Riverbed."

Lucien hesitated. "Eel?"

Alexander, ever the opportunist, smirked. "Afraid, Lucien?"

Lucien narrowed his eyes. "Of course not."

The stew arrived, steaming and fragrant, with tender pieces of eel bathed in a rich, spiced broth. Lucien took a cautious bite—and to his surprise, found it delicious.

Alexander watched him with amusement. "You were expecting to hate it, weren't you?"

Lucien sighed. "I refuse to comment."

Alexander laughed, a rare and genuine sound, before taking his own bite. "I'll take that as a yes."

The meal stretched into long, easy conversation. They spoke of places they had visited, of cities they had always wanted to see. Lucien, despite himself, found a strange kind of comfort in the exchange. Alexander, for all his arrogance, had a way of making a conversation flow, of making even a forced engagement feel less like a burden and more like… something else.

As they walked back toward their residence, full and satisfied, Lucien found himself glancing at Alexander more than once. The firelight from the lanterns cast warm shadows across his face, softening the sharp angles that usually made him seem so infuriatingly composed.

"Something on your mind?" Alexander asked, catching his gaze.

Lucien shook his head quickly. "Nothing worth mentioning."

Alexander hummed, unconvinced, but let it go.

The night air was cool, the sound of the river lapping against the stone walls of the city a soothing backdrop to their quiet footsteps. For the first time in a long while, Lucien felt something unexpected—something dangerously close to contentment.

And that, perhaps, was the most unsettling part of all.