The Silence and The Storm: Chapter 3

Far away, in the grand Royal Palace of Swenders, Prince Arin was dealing with a different kind of prison—a golden cage. He was smart, but he wasn’t interested in shallow things like titles or riches. 

He stood by his study window, looking out at the beautiful gardens. His father, the King, kept pressuring him. “The kingdom needs stability, Arin. Choose a bride! This ball is your chance!” 

Arin sighed and ran his hand through his blond hair. 

They think a marriage will fix everything. But it can’t fix the cracks in the kingdom. 

He saw how greed and unfairness were tearing the city apart. He wanted a partner who understood the real problems, not just the shiny surface. 

Greatness isn’t about silk and gold, he thought. I won’t be a pawn in my father’s game. 

His silence was his rebellion, and his thoughts were his only escape. He longed for someone who valued truth over appearances.