Chapter 1 - The Grand Gala

Adrian's Pov;

 

“How is the preparation for the Grand gala”

 

King Alaric asked. The gala is a big deal to him, as it will bring together not just the top tiers of the kingdom but also the society at large.

 

But that wasn't the real reason why my father the king will host a gala this big. Unlike every gala that has taken place in the past, this is the biggest and that is because it will be the first time of me meeting my fiancee.

 

“Everything is set for tomorrow, Your majesty”

 

The Head eunuch answered. He had stayed behind after the council was dismissed.

 

“Make sure everything goes as planned as I said, it is a very important night”

 

“The Crown prince must be thrilled to see his bride”

 

The Head eunuch said.

 

King Alaric gave out a little chuckle, then cleared his throat, he smiled at me and looked back at the eunuch.

 

“Yes I presume”

 

“Very well then, I will be taking my leave now”

 

The head eunuch said bowing.

 

I walked to my father after I made sure the head eunuch had left.

 

“Long live the king”

 

I said bowing my head.

 

“How excited are you to meet your new bride?”

 

King Alaric asked, expecting a positive answer.

 

“Just as you said, I have high hopes to seeing her father”

 

“That's my son, I'm glad you are. You know that is how I met your Mother, she was the most ravishing human I have ever laid my eyes on”

 

“Again with the stories of your early days, I have heard this story more than a thousand times”

 

“I know you have, but a story of true love never gets old”

 

“I agree with you father, I am certain that you and mother made the right choice for me”

 

“ Of course we did darling, you are an epitome of royalty, a man groomed with great care and discipline, the best example for perfection…. We made just the right choice for you”

 

I heard my mother say behind me.

 

“You flatter me Mother, Till tomorrow then, I can't wait to see my bride”

 

“Leaving already?”

 

My mother asked, staring at me surprised she was here to bond with father and I.

 

“Forgive me your highness, but I have something important to take care of”

 

I said, holding my mother's hands. Father smiled as we bickered over total nonsense, he loved it when mother and I put up a show in front of him.

 

“Queen Isabella, you seem to have forgotten that your son the crown prince is now a grown man, in few months he will be getting married so right now he have to prepare himself for the forever journey”

 

King Alaric said.

 

Mother expressed sadness on her face, she still couldn't believe that I have grown up but this is the reality she has to accept.

 

“Father, did you say in a few months”

 

I was not sure if I heard him correctly.

 

“Yes Adrian, your wedding will take place at the end of spring this year”

 

“That is in four months time”

 

“Exactly”

 

“But that's barely enough time for me to prepare”

 

“It has already been decided, so get ready”

 

“Yes father… I plead to take my leave your Majesty”

 

“Your can go”

 

King Alaric permitted.

 

I walked out of the room and went to the garden. The thoughts about the wedding flooded my mind, I didn't have a say since it is tradition.

 

Every heir must marry a girl that has been arranged by the council. The girl must have gone through some sort of test before meeting me as her fiance.

 

My mind was troubled, this isn't the life I want for me. I was fortunate enough to be born into the royal home but unfortunate because I have to choose the kingdom first before any other thing.

 

I knew within myself that I wouldn't love this girl whom I am to marry, since I am not attracted to women. This is the secret I have been holding unto for the past years.

 

I have been groomed to represent the name perfectly, the kingdom called me a man without flaws, because I have never been involved in scandals before.

 

The smell of flowers and a soothing sound was all I needed to cool my head off. I do not want to be trapped in a marriage that I detest. I must come up with a plan immediately.

 

***

 

The hall was in no time filled with people, the news and the social media platforms were all buzzing with gist about the Grand gala, it has been the talk of the town and now it's really here. The entrance was crowded with people.

 

The royal car was the last to arrive, we were the highlight of the gala. Stealing attention from all the attendees present, everyone bowed on our entry.

 

“Announcing King Alaric and his wife Queen Isabella”

 

The host introduced. The spotlight turned to my parents as they walked in side by side.

 

“Now introducing the crown prince, Prince Adrian”

 

The host announced.

 

The crowd went wild, I didn't participate in drawing attention through social media, I barely checked my social media handles.

Yet, my pictures were all over the internet, I had a lot of women obsessing over just a mere picture of me, I have seen a lot of posts about women asking me to marry them, I became more popular than most actors and actresses.

The spotlight focused on me and lasted longer than it did on my parents, I could see my mother standing behind the lights clapping and sending kisses to me.

She has been my biggest fan since birth, obsessing over every little detail that featured on my face and body, she said that I looked exactly like a man only found in novels.

I smiled and waved to her, she signalled me to come over, I'm guessing my bride was here