Chapter 3: The Prince Who Refused to Choose
784 Words
Rain poured relentlessly over the Royal Palace, turning the immaculate gardens into a sea of shimmering emerald.
Inside, however, preparations for the evening banquet continued as though the storm didn't exist.
Servants hurried through the marble corridors carrying silver trays, crystal glasses, and bouquets of white lilies. Every chandelier was polished until it sparkled like a thousand stars.
Tonight wasn't an ordinary banquet.
It was the first gathering since the Royal Council announced Prince Nicholas's one-year deadline.
Every influential noble family in Astoria would be there.
And every unmarried daughter would be dressed to impress the future king.
---
Nicholas adjusted the cuffs of his tailored black tuxedo as Oliver stood nearby.
"You look like you're heading to your execution," Oliver remarked.
Nicholas glanced at his reflection in the mirror.
"Perhaps I am."
Oliver chuckled.
"It's only a banquet."
"No."
Nicholas picked up the invitation lying on his desk.
"It's an auction."
Oliver frowned.
"An auction?"
"They're not coming to meet me."
Nicholas tossed the invitation back onto the table.
"They're coming to compete for a crown."
Before Oliver could reply, another knock came at the door.
A palace attendant entered respectfully.
"Your Highness, Their Majesties are waiting."
Nicholas nodded.
"We're coming."
---
The Grand Ballroom looked magnificent.
Crystal chandeliers bathed the room in golden light while a live orchestra performed softly from the balcony above.
Politicians mingled with ambassadors.
Business tycoons exchanged polite smiles.
Members of noble families proudly introduced their daughters to anyone willing to listen.
Every conversation eventually led to one topic.
"The future queen."
As Nicholas entered beside King Edward and Queen Catherine, every conversation ceased.
Hundreds of guests bowed.
"Your Majesty."
"Your Highness."
Nicholas acknowledged them with a polite nod, though inwardly he wished he were anywhere else.
Almost immediately, the introductions began.
"Your Highness, may I introduce Lady Isabella Beaumont."
A graceful young woman curtsied elegantly.
"It's an honor."
Nicholas smiled politely.
"The honor is mine."
Barely a minute later—
"Your Highness, this is Lady Sophia Montgomery."
Another introduction.
Another rehearsed smile.
Another perfectly practiced conversation.
By the tenth introduction, Nicholas had stopped remembering names.
Oliver watched from a distance, trying not to laugh.
The prince looked exhausted.
---
Across the city...
Elena sat comfortably on her couch grading essays.
Outside, rain tapped gently against her windows.
She smiled as she read one paper.
"A great ruler should care more about the people than power."
She circled the sentence.
Excellent observation.
A sudden knock interrupted her thoughts.
She opened the door to find Mrs. Henderson standing there holding an umbrella.
"I baked too many apple pies."
Elena laughed.
"Again?"
The elderly woman shrugged dramatically.
"My oven refuses to listen."
"You say that every week."
"And every week you accept free pie."
Elena accepted the warm pie with a grateful smile.
"Come in."
Within minutes they were sharing tea.
Mrs. Henderson noticed the stack of essays.
"Working again?"
"I enjoy it."
"You need a hobby."
"This is my hobby."
"No."
The older woman smiled knowingly.
"You need someone special."
Elena nearly choked on her tea.
"Mrs. Henderson!"
"What?"
"I'm simply saying you're twenty-four."
"I'm perfectly happy."
"That's exactly what people say before falling in love."
Elena rolled her eyes.
"I'll keep that in mind."
Neither woman realized how prophetic those words would become.
---
Back at the palace...
Nicholas escaped onto the balcony for a moment of peace.
The cool rain had finally stopped, leaving the night air fresh.
He loosened his bow tie.
"For someone surrounded by hundreds of people..."
he murmured,
"...I've never felt more alone."
A voice behind him interrupted his thoughts.
"Your Highness?"
Nicholas turned.
Lady Victoria Beaumont approached gracefully in an elegant emerald gown.
"I hope I'm not disturbing you."
"Not at all."
She smiled confidently.
"The kingdom already believes we'll make a wonderful king and queen."
Nicholas stared at her.
"Does it?"
"My father says our families have discussed it."
Nicholas's expression remained unreadable.
"I'm afraid no one has discussed it with me."
Her smile faltered for the briefest second.
"I assumed..."
"I haven't chosen anyone."
Victoria stepped closer.
"You will."
Nicholas looked directly into her eyes.
"When I do..."
His voice was calm.
"...it will be because I choose her."
Not because someone else made the decision for me.
Victoria's confident smile disappeared completely.
For the first time that evening, she realized winning the crown prince's heart would be far more difficult than winning the approval of the Royal Council.
And somewhere else in the city, Elena Carter closed the last essay of the night, completely unaware that destiny had already begun placing invisible pieces into position.
The countdown had begun.
In less than forty-eight hours...
their worlds would finally collide.
- Writer
