Exactly nine months later, the new heir to the throne was born. A healthy prince born out of the crown prince and princess’s union was widely celebrated within the Kingdom and Calisto’s coronation was done after the baptism of his child. Then plans of their official public wedding went underway.

Meanwhile, the engagement of Tan and Mikael was postponed due to the legalities they were facing, as the Duke and Calisto had foreseen. No matter how many times Tan insists that he’s relinquishing his claim to the throne, some of the royalists don't want to accept it. The House of Lords is also against him doing so, not because they were concerned for the succession line but because they’re afraid of House Canaels having too much power in Court once Siane is made Queen and Mikael becomes the Second Prince’s Consort, even though he insisted that it’s the other way around; he’s the one becoming the Duke’s consort.

Of course, Marquis Ferrer took this chance to push his daughter to be Tan’s betrothed, much to the prince’s horror.

“Why are you so determined to get out of the succession line? You’re making things awkward for me who’s next after you.” The same ginger haired man that bumped into Casimir before said as he lounged on the couch in the Captain’s office, eating a caramel pudding.

Tan frowned as he rubbed the middle of his brows, shooting him a glare. “Gian, why are you here in my office? Shouldn’t you be annoying my brother or someone else?”

“I like hanging out with you. I can’t casually hang out with a King who also became a father recently, right?” Gian pouted.

“I should ask my brother to make you an Ambassador somewhere and send you away.”

“Why are you being so mean to me?” Gian said, feigning hurt.

“I’m busy, Gian. I have lots of problems to solve.”

Gian perked up at that as he stood up and crouched next to Tan’s chair. “Is it really true love that’s binding you and that young lord? I heard he’s a childhood friend of yours.”

“Gian, why don’t you go get engaged to someone decent and stop poking your nose into my relationship?” Tan snapped.

“Hey, chill out. You don’t have to snap at me.” Gian pouted as he took another spoonful of his pudding. “I have no interest in others because someone already snatched my heart away and was rude enough not to return it when they didn’t have any plans of showing up again.”

Yes, that handsome priest whom he bumped into was not very priestly when they talked to one another, and he didn’t seem to care if he ran into someone high ranking if he were going to see the second prince personally.

He seemed to be a regular visitor to the second prince’s office, probably to use his healing arts after a procurement mission with the mages and Gian thought he’d bump into him again if he stays with Tan. He would like to know his name at least so he’d know which church to go to and get a glimpse of his impossible love.

Gian knew he easily falls in love but he didn’t think he’d fall for a priest of all people.

“As long as it’s not Eufemia Ferrer, or anyone from the neutral faction, I’m good with them.”

Gian tilted his head at that, intrigued. “Basically, you’re asking me to marry a commoner. I could live with that, since I have my eyes on someone, but I’ve been wondering, why are you so adamant against this Lady Eufemia Ferrer since childhood? Did you have a fight or something?”

Tan glanced at him, touching his neck subconsciously. “Let’s say nothing good comes out of her becoming part of the royal family.”

•×•×•

Mikael looked over at Tan’s marriage proposal again.

It was an ordinary one, a declaration of love and intent to marry much like the others. Not one hint that the prince wants a contract marriage.

He was a fool to believe that his friend had fallen in love with him, as he’s only used to getting out of the succession line. Mikael doesn’t really care for the reason, but he doesn’t like the fact that he’s being used.

It seems like the prince takes marriage lightly.

Mikael can’t even ask his father to cancel the engagement, not after the troubles he went through.

A quick talk with Siane would give the two permission to marry, since Calisto would follow what she says regarding this marriage and give them approval but the Duke didn’t want to rely on brute force.

Mikael looked towards himself, aware of the conflicting emotions going through him regarding their engagement plans.

They already have the rings made and have worn them in public, as if declaring they will not give up on their marriage plans. Of course, it’s all part of the second prince’s plan, and to deter anyone else who has eyes on Mikael, especially the Lady Rivera that Tan views as his dangerous rival.

Mikael shook his head, as if clearing his thoughts.

He already knew on his second read through that it’s not a real declaration but more of an offer of a contract marriage to get out of a situation. Mikael didn’t mind but he’s now curious as to what that situation  that the prince is desperate to get away from.

Is it still because of Eufemia Ferrer? She was supposed to be his betrothed originally after all.

Mikael looked to his left and reached for the ornate rope to call on the butler. It took a few minutes for a young looking butler to arrive.

“You called, Young Lord?” The handsome looking butler asked. His short blond hair was neatly parted to one side and his green eyes showed a sharp intelligence that is not uncommon to servants within the Duke’s household.

“Ah, Lorenzo. Ruben is not available?”

“Sir Ruben has been called upon by the Duke not so long before you rang the bell. Should I go and fetch him, sir?”

“No, it’s fine. It’s good that you’re the one available. I need you to investigate something discreetly for me. Father must not know, you understand?”

“As you wish, my lord.”

“I want you to launch an investigation on Eufemia Ferrer and as to the deeper reason why Tanashiri is adamant on steering clear of her.”