The Prince's Arranged Marriage-Chapter 94: Trust, Quietly Broken

That night, Lucien slept in short pieces.

Not the kind of sleep that restores you just the kind that keeps your eyes from burning the next day.

Alexander stayed close the whole time. He didn’t say much after the pamphlets were gathered and spread across the desk like evidence. He didn’t need to. His silence was loud enough, and his hands steady on Lucien’s shoulders, warm at his waist said what his mouth wouldn’t.

I’m here. I’m not letting go.

Sometime past midnight, Lucien turned in the bed and found Alexander watching him in the dark.

Lucien blinked sleepily. "Why are you awake?"

Alexander’s thumb traced his cheekbone with a gentleness that didn’t match the sharpness in his eyes. "Because you are."

Lucien huffed softly. "I’m fine."

Alexander’s mouth brushed his. A slow kiss. Familiar. Grounding. "You’re not."

Lucien sighed, then curled closer anyway, pressing his forehead into Alexander’s throat. "I hate being watched."

"I know."

Lucien’s voice was muffled against his skin. "And I hate that you’re right about it."

Alexander kissed his hair. "You don’t have to like it."

Lucien lifted his head a little, eyes searching in the dark. "Do you think the city believes those pamphlets?"

Alexander didn’t answer immediately. He shifted, pulling Lucien fully into his arms until Lucien’s leg draped over his.

"They don’t need everyone," Alexander said quietly. "They only need enough people to hesitate."

Lucien’s stomach tightened. "Hesitate to do what?"

Alexander’s hand slid to the back of Lucien’s neck, holding him close. "To stand with you when it matters."

Lucien swallowed. "And if they hesitate..."

Alexander’s voice dropped. "Then it becomes easier to move you."

Lucien went still.

Alexander felt it and kissed him, slow and deliberate, as if he could press the fear back down with warmth.

Lucien kissed him back at first soft, then deeper, because he needed something real. Alexander responded instantly, his grip tightening at Lucien’s waist, their bodies fitting together like a promise they’d made without words.

When they finally parted, Lucien’s breath was uneven. "I don’t want to be moved."

Alexander’s forehead rested against his. "Then don’t make it easy."

Lucien stared at him for a beat, then let out a quiet, humorless laugh. "That’s... terrible advice."

"It’s honest advice," Alexander replied.

Lucien kissed him again, brief and warm, then tucked his face into Alexander’s neck and forced himself to breathe.

He didn’t want to admit it, but something had been gnawing at him all day.

Not just fear.

Pride.

It sat in his chest like a stubborn ember.

Because the more the palace pressed in, the more Lucien felt himself bristle at the shape of it—guards trailing him, servants checking with Alexander, reports redirected.

Even if Alexander meant well, it still felt like being placed behind glass.

Lucien closed his eyes.

And somewhere between one breath and the next, an idea formed quiet and dangerous.

I need to prove I can still move on my own.

Not to the council.

Not to the palace.

To himself.

------

Morning came clean and bright, like Avaloria didn’t have shadows.

Lucien woke to sunlight across the sheets and Alexander’s arm heavy around his waist. For a moment, he forgot everything. The pamphlets. The whispers. The dead man. The careful smiles.

There was only warmth and the slow rise and fall of Alexander’s breathing.

Lucien turned carefully and pressed a kiss to Alexander’s shoulder.

Alexander stirred instantly, eyes opening sharp even though his voice was still rough. "Morning."

Lucien smiled. "You’re always awake."

"I’m awake when you touch me," Alexander murmured, pulling Lucien closer.

Lucien let himself sink into it. He kissed Alexander’s mouth soft at first, then deeper, because Alexander tasted like safety and Lucien was greedy for it. Alexander’s hand slid up Lucien’s back, fingers spreading beneath the thin fabric of his sleep shirt.

Lucien hummed against his lips, then pulled back just enough to whisper, "I want one normal morning."

Alexander’s gaze softened. "Then take it."

Lucien kissed him again, longer this time, letting it turn warm and slow, letting Alexander’s hands roam just enough to make Lucien’s stomach flutter. He straddled Alexander’s hips without thinking, earning a low sound from Alexander that made heat curl under Lucien’s skin.

Alexander’s fingers tightened at Lucien’s waist. "If you keep doing that, we won’t get out of bed."

Lucien smirked faintly. "Maybe we shouldn’t."

Alexander kissed him again anyway deep, unhurried, the kind of kiss that made Lucien forget the palace existed.

When they finally separated, Lucien rested his forehead against Alexander’s. "I have something I want to do today."

Alexander’s eyes narrowed immediately, like the word want had become suspicious overnight. "What?"

Lucien kept his tone light. "I want to visit the city library."

Alexander didn’t blink. "No."

Lucien stared at him. "Alexander."

"The answer is no," Alexander repeated, calm and final. "Not today."

"It’s a public place," Lucien said, trying to keep irritation out of his voice. "It’s not some dark alley."

"It’s a place where people can blend in," Alexander replied. "Where guards are forced to spread out. Where you are visible."

Lucien’s jaw tightened. "Visible is the point."

Alexander’s gaze held his. "Visibility is a weapon. It cuts both ways."

Lucien slid off Alexander’s hips and sat back on his heels, trying not to look like he was sulking. "So I’m not allowed to go anywhere."

"You’re allowed," Alexander said, voice tightening slightly, "to go where I can keep you safe."

Lucien’s mouth twisted. "That’s not allowance. That’s permission."

Alexander’s expression darkened. "Lucien"

Lucien took a slow breath. He didn’t want another fight. Not this morning. Not when they’d finally found a quiet moment.

So he leaned down and kissed Alexander again brief, warm, deliberately distracting. Alexander kissed back out of instinct, his hand sliding to Lucien’s hip.

Lucien pulled away before the kiss could turn into an argument of its own. "Fine," he said softly. "Not the library."

Alexander studied him. "Good."

Lucien smiled sweetly. "Happy?"

Alexander didn’t look convinced, but he nodded once. "Eat breakfast."

Lucien did.

He let the servants fuss. He let the guards line up. He let Alexander leave first for the morning briefing.

He played the part of the obedient prince so well that, for a few hours, even he almost believed it.

But the ember in his chest didn’t go out.

It burned quietly all morning.

------

By midday, Lucien was dressed and ready for an official visit to the royal household office a safe errand, one Alexander wouldn’t refuse because it was within palace walls.

He was meant to go with four guards.

Lucien stood near the corridor, adjusting his gloves, when the captain assigned to him bowed. "Your Highness, we’re prepared."

Lucien smiled pleasantly. "Only two of you will come with me."

The captain froze. "Your Highness Prince Alexander’s orders"

Lucien’s smile stayed warm. "I know what his orders are. And I’m telling you this is mine."

The captain hesitated, eyes flicking the way they always did lately like he was searching for Alexander even when Alexander wasn’t there.

Lucien’s stomach tightened.

He kept his voice gentle but firm. "Two guards. Now."

The captain swallowed and nodded. He gestured quickly, dismissing the others with a short hand signal.

Lucien walked forward before anyone could reconsider.

His heart beat a little faster not from fear, but from the strange rush of taking back a small piece of himself.

Two guards stayed close behind him.

Lucien headed down a familiar passageway that connected the residential wing to the administrative offices.

Halfway there, he slowed.

A side corridor branched off toward a smaller exit one rarely used except by clerks and messengers. It opened into a quiet courtyard and, beyond it, into a narrow street just outside the palace boundary.

Lucien stopped in front of it.

One guard stepped closer. "Your Highness?"

Lucien turned, expression calm. "Wait here."

The guard blinked. "Your Highness, we can’t"

Lucien smiled gently. "I’m stepping into the courtyard for air. I’ll be in sight."

The guard hesitated. "Prince Alexander said"

Lucien’s eyes sharpened just a fraction. "I am not asking."

Silence.

The guards exchanged a look.

Then, reluctantly, they stepped back, remaining at the corridor entrance.

Lucien walked into the side courtyard alone.

The air was cooler there, shaded by stone and climbing ivy. The sound of the palace faded, replaced by distant city noise beyond the walls.

Lucien breathed in deeply, as if he could pull freedom into his lungs.

I can still move. I can still choose.

He stepped toward the small gate at the far end.

It was unlocked. Of course it was. It was a palace; it didn’t expect its own prince to walk out through a servant’s exit.

Lucien pushed it open and slipped through.

The street beyond was narrow and quiet, lined with low stone buildings used by palace staff. A few workers looked up, surprised, then bowed quickly.

Lucien kept walking.

Not far. Just enough to feel it.

Just enough to prove he could.

A small vendor cart sat at the corner an old man selling fruit and bread to clerks on break. When he saw Lucien, his eyes widened.

"Your Highness"

Lucien smiled warmly. "Good afternoon."

The man bowed so hard he nearly toppled. "We... we don’t see you out here."

Lucien’s smile softened. "I wanted to."

The man fumbled for words, then blurted, "Some people say foolish things. But we know you care."

Lucien’s chest tightened.

He didn’t know whether the man was sincere or just terrified.

Still, the words hit.

Lucien nodded slowly. "Thank you."

He bought a small loaf of bread he didn’t need, just to make the moment feel normal.

Then he turned back toward the gate.

And that’s when he felt it.

The shift.

Not the obvious scrape of boots or the sound of someone shouting his name.

Just a subtle change in the air, like the street had held its breath.

Lucien’s steps slowed.

A figure stood near the gate now someone he hadn’t seen enter the street. A man in plain clothing, posture casual, head slightly bowed as if he was simply waiting.

Lucien’s stomach tightened.

He didn’t recognize the man.

But the man lifted his eyes, and Lucien felt something cold slide down his spine.

It wasn’t a guard. Not palace.

Lucien turned subtly, scanning behind him.

Another figure at the corner. Leaning too casually. Watching too carefully.

Lucien’s pulse kicked harder.

He took one step back toward the vendor cart, forcing his expression to stay calm.

The first man moved.

Just one step.

Not rushing.

As if he knew Lucien didn’t have time to run.

Lucien’s throat went dry.

He forced himself to smile at the vendor again, voice light, as if nothing was wrong. "Have a good day."

Then he turned sharply and walked not ran back toward the gate.

The man stepped into his path, blocking it neatly.

"Your Highness," the man said softly, voice respectful.

Lucien’s heart slammed against his ribs.

"Move," Lucien said, keeping his tone steady.

The man’s smile was polite. "I’m afraid I can’t."

Lucien’s fingers curled inside his gloves.

Behind him, the second figure shifted.

Lucien’s mind raced.

If he shouted, it might be too late. If he ran, he’d have to get past

Lucien lifted his chin. "Do you know who you’re speaking to?"

The man’s eyes glinted. "Of course."

Lucien swallowed. "Then you should be afraid."

The man’s smile widened faintly. "I am."

And then he reached for Lucien’s arm.

Alexander knew something was wrong before anyone spoke a word.

It was the way the palace felt too quiet in the wrong places, too loud in others. It was the way a servant hurried past him without making eye contact. It was the way a guard at the corridor corner stood straighter than usual, as if expecting a blow.

Alexander had just finished a meeting with one of his men quiet instructions, clean routes, careful names.

He was walking back toward Lucien’s wing when the captain of Lucien’s guard detail appeared, face pale beneath controlled discipline.

"Your Highness," the captain said quickly, bowing. "Prince Lucien he changed the escort."

Alexander went still.

"What do you mean?" Alexander asked, voice calm.

The captain swallowed. "He dismissed two guards. Then... he went toward the administrative wing. He told the remaining guards to wait."

The words hit like a blade sliding between ribs.

Alexander’s jaw tightened. "Wait where."

"At the side corridor near the smaller courtyard," the captain said. "They said he stepped out for air and"

Alexander didn’t let him finish.

He turned and moved, pace fast but controlled. His guards followed instantly.

The palace corridor blurred as he walked.

His mind was already ten steps ahead.

Lucien.

Alone.

In a palace that had already killed once to send a message.

Alexander’s chest went tight with something close to fury hot, sharp, terrifyingly clear.

Trust, quietly broken.

He reached the side corridor and found Lucien’s two guards standing exactly where Lucien had told them to stand stiff, uncertain, guilty.

Alexander stopped in front of them. "Where is he."

One guard swallowed hard. "Your Highness, he said he’d be in sight"

Alexander’s voice dropped. "Where."

The guard’s eyes flicked toward the courtyard gate. "He went through there."

Alexander moved immediately.

The courtyard was empty.

The small gate at the far end stood ajar.

Alexander’s blood went cold.

He stepped through the gate and into the narrow street beyond.

And he saw nothing.

No prince. No guards. No servants.

Only the vendor cart at the corner, the old man staring with wide, frightened eyes, clutching a loaf of bread like it could protect him from whatever was happening.

Alexander crossed the street in three strides. "Where is he."

The vendor’s voice shook. "Your Highness, he-he was here, and then"

Alexander’s gaze flicked toward the corner.

Two figures were disappearing into the alley, moving fast now, no longer pretending.

Alexander’s hand went to his sword.

"Find him," he snapped to his guards. "Now."

His men surged forward instantly.

Alexander turned back to the vendor, eyes sharp. "Which way."

The man pointed with a trembling hand. "That- that alley"

Alexander didn’t wait.

He moved.

His mind didn’t form pretty thoughts anymore. Only commands.

Lock the gates. Close the palace. Seal the city exits. Find every hand that touched this.

Behind him, a guard sprinted back toward the palace to carry the order.

Alexander chased the alley like it was a throat he intended to close.

And as he ran, one cold truth repeated in his mind, steady as a drumbeat:

They hadn’t attacked the throne.

They had taken something easier.