BENEATH THE GOLDEN VEIL

2| BEAUTY WAS FLEETING

CROWN PRINCE EDWARD'S POV

As the Crown Prince of Aranthia, I often find myself navigating a labyrinth of expectations and obligations, all while yearning for something more than the confines of tradition.

From the moment I could completely understand the weight of my title, whispers of marriage and alliance echoed in the chambers of my mind, a constant reminder of the duties that lay ahead.

At twenty-eight years of age, the pressure to secure a suitable match weighed heavily upon my shoulders, a burden carried not just for myself, but for the future of our kingdom.

While my peers had long since taken wives and sired heirs to secure their legacies, I remained unmarried which is something that has been worrying my mother more than anything these past five years.

My family and friends alike have urged me to seek out Savannah Zara Erickson, their voices echoing with fervent insistence that her beauty would be a boon to our royal lineage for generations to come.

Despite my reservations, I couldn't deny the curiosity that stirred within me at the mention of her name—the famed beauty of our kingdom.

Her name echoed through the hallowed halls of the palace, whispered in reverent tones by courtiers and commoners alike. They spoke of her radiant beauty, her captivating allure that had trapped the hearts of men far and wide.

I found myself wondering what it would be like to meet her. Would she be as breathtaking as they claimed, or would she merely be a reflection of her outward appearance, devoid of substance and intellect?

Beauty was fleeting, a fleeting illusion that faded with time, but true intelligence and wit were enduring qualities that transcended the limitations of the flesh.

But as I contemplated the prospect of union with Savannah, I couldn't help but feel a pang of longing for something deeper, something beyond the superficial allure of her physical charms.

While her beauty was undeniable as everyone says, it was not the sole quality I sought in a partner. I craved companionship, a connection that transcended the boundaries of social status and appearance—a bond forged in the fires of mutual respect and understanding.

No one in my family seemed to grasp the depth of my desires, their focus fixated solely on the advantages that Savannah's beauty could bring to our kingdom's future.

Yet, in the quiet recesses of my heart, I longed for a partner who would stand by my side through the trials and triumphs that lay ahead, someone who would share the weight of my responsibilities with unwavering devotion.

For even as the Crown Prince, I am but a man, with hopes and dreams that extend beyond the confines of my royal station.

I seek a companion who will not only complement my strengths but also challenge me to be the best version of myself—a partner who will walk beside me, not as a mere ornament of beauty, but as a pillar of strength and resilience.

The prospect of marriage weighed heavily upon me, not just as a duty to my kingdom, but as a deeply personal quest for fulfilment.

A familiar voice broke my trance as I was still thinking about the pressing issues of my marriage and responsibility. "Brother," said Henry, my younger brother, with his infectious smile and twinkle in his eye. "Are you lost in thoughts of marriage and royal alliances again?"

I turned to face him, a wry smile playing at the corners of my lips. "Always, Henry," I replied, with a hint of amusement. "It seems to be the only topic of conversation these days. Actually, these past years."

Henry chuckled, humour gleaming in his blue eyes. "Well, if you're not interested in marrying Savannah, perhaps you should make it clear," he teased, nudging me playfully. "After all, I wouldn't mind seeing if the most beautiful woman in the world would be willing to marry a man two years her junior."

I couldn't help but laugh at his audacity, grateful for the levity he brought to the weighty matter at hand. "Perhaps you should focus on finding your own match first, my dear little brother," I replied, with a teasing glint in my eye. "Or are you going to remain a bachelor? We both know our dearest mother will start asking you about your marriage soon after your eighteenth birthday."

Henry's grin widened, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "Oh, I assure you, Edward, I have no intention of remaining single for long," he declared, with mock seriousness. "But if you're not interested in Savannah, I'll gladly take my chances."

I shook my head in amusement. Despite the pressures of our royal lineage, he remained a constant source of light and laughter in my life—a reminder that even in the midst of duty and obligation, there was always room for joy and companionship.

"And for the record, you do not need to worry about Her Majesty. After all, I still have an elder brother who is yet to find a bride. I'm sure she'll be delighted to hear of my eagerness to help fulfil your marital duties."

I chuckled at Henry's jest and as we continued our playful exchange, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over me.

But even as we shared laughter and jest, a part of me couldn't shake the lingering uncertainty that clouded my thoughts. The prospect of marriage loomed ever larger on the horizon and there was no getting out of it.

As the Crown Prince of Aranthia, I was tasked with upholding the honour and prosperity of our realm, a responsibility that weighed heavily upon my shoulders.

Perhaps Savannah Zara Erickson held the key to unlocking the desires of my heart, or perhaps she was simply another pawn in the intricate game of politics and power that defined our world.

Henry's playful banter brought a temporary reprieve from the weight of my thoughts, but as the jesting subsided, his expression turned more serious.

"Brother," he began, his voice softening with sincerity, "I know that the pressure to marry weighs heavily on you, but have you considered giving Savannah a chance?"

I sighed, the gravity of his words sinking in. "Henry, you know as well as I do that our family sees Savannah as nothing more than a means to secure our lineage and maybe if I do decide to get married to her because our mother tells me to, I would be seeing her as such as well," I replied, frustration tingeing my tone.

"Our parents do not care not for my desires or the depth of my heart. To them, she is merely a prize to be won, a trophy to adorn the mantle of our royal legacy and I am supposed to be the player of that game."

Henry nodded, sympathy flickering in his eyes. "I know nothing about love but I understand your reservations, Edward, I truly do," he said, his voice gentle but firm.

"But you cannot allow the expectations of others to dictate the course of your life. If there is even the slightest chance that Savannah could be the one to bring you happiness, shouldn't you at least consider meeting her?"

His words struck a chord within me, stirring a sense of unrest that had long been buried beneath the surface. "You speak as though it were a simple matter, Henry," I replied, my voice tinged with frustration. "But you know as well as I do the weight of duty and obligation that rests upon my shoulders. The decision to marry is not one to be taken lightly, especially when the future of our kingdom hangs in the balance."

Henry placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder, his gaze steady and unwavering. "I do not underestimate the challenges you face, Edward," he said, his voice earnest. "But at the end of the day, it is your happiness and well-being that matter most. If meeting Savannah could bring you even a modicum of joy, shouldn't you seize the opportunity to explore that possibility?"

I sighed, the tumult of emotions swirling within me like a tempest in the sea. "Perhaps you are right, Henry," I conceded, a sense of resignation settling over me. "Perhaps it is time for me to set aside my reservations and at least entertain the notion of meeting Savannah. After all, as you said, I have nothing to lose by exploring the possibility."

Henry smiled, relief evident in his expression. "I'm glad to hear you say that, brother," he replied, his voice filled with genuine warmth. "I have heard that love has a way of surprising us when we least expect it. Who knows? Perhaps Savannah will be the one to capture your heart in ways you never imagined."

"Thank you, Henry," I said, a sense of gratitude swelling within me. "For reminding me that sometimes, the greatest adventures begin with a single step."

"What can I say? I've learned from the best. After all, I have the esteemed privilege of calling the Crown Prince of Aranthia, my brother. While our dear father has imparted much wisdom upon me, all the best lessons I've learned have been from you."

I couldn't help but chuckle at that, touched by his words of affection. "Flattery will get you nowhere, Henry," I replied with a hint of amusement in my tone. "But I appreciate the sentiment."

Henry's grin widened, his eyes dancing with mirth. "In all seriousness, Edward, you've been my guiding light throughout my life," he said, his voice sincere. "You've shown me what it means to lead with honour and integrity, to navigate the complexities of our world with grace and dignity. And for that, I am eternally grateful.

"You've always been there for me. To offer guidance and support whenever I need it."

"You do me too much honour, Henry," I replied, my voice soft with emotion. "But know that I would do anything for you, as you have done for me. We may face many challenges in the days ahead, but together, we will overcome them, as brothers bound by blood and kinship."

Henry's eyes twinkled with mischief. "Well, as long as those challenges don't include your dreadful attempts at swordplay. Honestly, Edward, you swing a sword like you're swatting at a particularly pesky fly."

I laughed, shaking my head. "And you, dear brother, have the grace of a gazelle in battle. But don't get too cocky; I can still best you at chess."

"Only because you cheat," Henry shot back with a grin.

"Strategic thinking," I corrected him with a mock-serious tone. "Something a future king should be well-versed in."

He laughed. "You know, Edward, sometimes I think you take life too seriously. It wouldn't hurt to smile more, especially when you're considering something as important as marriage."

"Smile more?" I raised an eyebrow. "You mean like you do every time you manage to escape one of Mother's endless etiquette lessons?"

Henry's grin widened. "Exactly! Who knew dodging the Queen of Arantia could be such an art form? You might find that a little levity goes a long way in matters of the heart."

I chuckled, feeling the weight of my earlier thoughts lighten. "Perhaps you're right. Maybe I should approach meeting Savannah with the same enthusiasm you have for avoiding dance practice."

Henry laughed, clapping me on the back. "Now that's the spirit! And who knows? You might just find that beneath that beautiful exterior lies a woman with enough wit to keep up with even the Crown Prince of Aranthia."

We both laughed at that because Henry knew me too well, I have never been a person of many words. I tend to spend much of my time all by myself.

"And speaking of wit," Henry said, his voice turning conspiratorial, "I've heard she's quite the intellectual. You might just find her to be a worthy opponent in your precious chess games."

"Is that so?" I mused, feeling a spark of genuine curiosity. "Then perhaps this meeting will be more interesting than I anticipated."

Henry's grin was infectious. "Exactly! Now, let's head back before Mother sends out a search party. You know how she gets when we're out too late."

"Indeed," I replied, chuckling. "The last thing I need is another lecture on the importance of punctuality."