"I have chosen whom I will marry."
He said, smiling brightly.
"And she is right in this place."
The hall held its breath for a moment longer than necessary.
A royal engagement, especially that of the future king, was no small announcement.
It had the power to shift the political landscape and shape the kingdom's future.
Murmurs spread through the gathered nobles, and Akamir could hear them clearly.
'Most are guessing it would be from a duke house.'
He thought, glancing around the place, hearing them.
Even Zaina looked curious about the topic, standing close to him.
"Kyuu~."
Ella leapt into her arms, the void fox settling comfortably as Zaina caught her.
Lucien cleared his throat.
"Alright, my choice may seem absurd," he said, drawing everyone's attention again. "But trust me, I know what I'm doing."
"No one's judging you, Prince," a voice called from the back. "We don't deserve to."
Akamir turned.
