boom.

SHADOWS UNDER THE SUN
-INTRODUCTION-

Valoria’s people cheered on and on for my arrival. Well at least.. that’s what I’ve heard from my escorts aboard the ship. Soon enough, I, Cassiel Solari, Sole heir to the Kingdom of Meridian, would be bound in marriage to Valoria's princess. Luccretia Nox. Just the sound of it brought a smile to my face. I must say, her face on the newspaper I saw was quite dazzling.

Honestly.. This marriage may be the most significant event for a very, very long time. Within the coming week, the Kingdom of Meridian and Valoria would merge into one, and I would have quite the beautiful wife to spend my life with; Even if I am not the one she desires. In a perfect world… She would be mine. Rather, I would be hers.

A few minutes later, an escort of mine met my eyes. He was one of Valoria’s own, tasked with making sure I arrived safe. Sir Redmond, if I remember?

“Excited, Your Grace?” Redmond spoke.

“Indeed..” … “Say. Would you happen to know the princess's character? ..And potential interests?”

A hearty laugh escaped Redmond's throat. Was I too forward? I hope not.

“I apologize, your Grace.” Redmond said, still holding a smile. “I truly didn't expect such a question.”

Pink slowly creeped up my neck and ears as I cleared my throat.

“I simply want to know the attributes of my fianceé. Is that so wrong?”

“Of course not, My Lord. Princess Luccretia is.. Admired by many.”

“Admired?” I asked, tilting my head.

“Of course! The Princess is quite intelligent, graceful, and well-spoken. She carries herself like someone destined to lead.”

Redmond seemed quite fond of the princess. She must be perfect, right? Nobody would speak of a bad person like such. Oh! Right. I’ve gotten sidetracked.

“And her interests?” I asked.

If I wanted to live with her like this, I’d need to know what makes her happy. ..That's my only chance.

“Right. As for her interests.. I’ve heard she enjoys reading in her downtime.”

“..I see.”

I was already imagining the books I could bring her. Pathetic, right? Not very royal of me. Not long after, an announcement sliced through the boat. We had arrived at our destination. My beautiful future.

-CHAPTER ONE-

Oh how stunning Valoria was. Full of happiness, prosperity, and a pinch of magic here and there. I sat in a carriage, on my way to the castle to introduce myself to Princess Luccretia. Commoners stood by the edges of the uneven roads, cheering joyfully at my arrival. Occasionally I’d wave, entertaining the c

crowd with a smile.

They loved me. I was the center of attention, and god, I hated and loved it at the same time. I’ve always had an itch under my skin telling me I didn’t deserve such attention and kindness; That all my power was just hereditary and not owned. Alas, I still enjoyed the sound of it. It was the sound of joy.

Eventually, I was escorted out of the carriage. The moment of truth awaited me, and it was… Magnificent. Luccretia’s dress flowed like water behind her as she walked up to greet me. Her steps confident and powerful, eyes glowing with excitement.

“Cassiel! I hope the trip didn’t drag on too long. How is Valoria treating you so far?”
I couldn’t speak.

What could I even say to such a beautiful face?

What could I say to make a good impression?

What—

“Cassiel?”

“Yes-!” I responded, stunned. “Sorry.. What was the question? I’m a bit drowsy from all the.. Uh.. Moving.”

“That’s alright! Just come inside. I’ll show you to your room so you can rest, and we’ll do tours and we’ll talk once you arise.”

I nodded, and trailed behind her, taking in my surroundings as we walked. Towering pillars.. Detailed Artworks.. Decorative objects.. Grand hallways… The Princess… Heavens, even her hair looked silky.

Before I knew it, I was reaching out to touch it.

…She noticed.

“Yes?”

I recoiled a little, maintaining eye contact.

“Sorry, Princess Luccretia.. I just.. Saw some dust in your hair, that’s all.”

“Really? That’s strange.. The Housemaids just dusted the place.. Did they miss a spot..?”

“..I suppose so.”

“I see.”

She continued walking.
I followed.

And as I stared at the back of her head, one thought refused to leave me:
…I should've said it was a bug.

. . .

Shortly thereafter, we arrived at my room, and God was it massive. I mean, Yes, as Royalty I’m used to grand interiors, but this…

“Luccretia, Are you.. Are you quite sure this is my room?”

“Expecting something smaller?” She asked.

“Precisely.”

“This used to be my father’s room.”

I arched my eyebrow. “Used?”

“...Well. He went abroad to attend an auction, and we soon discovered he’d contracted some kind of illness across the seas. He died shortly after.”

Ah.

“I’m sorry for your loss.”

“It was long ago, I’m well over it now.”

“Pleased to hear you’re not stuck grieving, Love.”

Luccretia froze, looking at me slightly dazed. “Love? I didn’t expect you to be so bold.”

I quickly realised my mistake.

Right.

Back in Meridian, ‘Love’ used to be tossed around as a way to show

kindness. Nothing deeper unless you meant it to be.

“R-Right! If you would excuse me– ‘Love’ in my Kingdom means–”

“No worries, Darling,” Luccretia cut me off.

My face turned red.

Now that… That was not tossed around for kindness.

. . .
-CHAPTER TWO-

At half past noon, I emerged from my slumber. Streams of golden light shone through the window to my left. One of the warm beams landed on my bed, enveloping me in warmth. Just the sensation almost sent me right back to sleep.

..That was until someone came knocking at my door.
Three solid raps echoed through the room.

“My Liege, The Princess wishes to see you. Once you rise, you are to make your way to The Solar.¹”

I jolted out of my bed, quickly moving to switch my clothes.

“Prince Solari?” The voice called once again.

“Coming! I’ll be there.”

. . .

I pushed open the ornate doors to what I thought I was The Solar. If I was directed properly, this should be no problem. …….Right?
Right.

My hand brushed the knob.

. . .

You know— If I enter the wrong room, I’d seem like an idiot. That’s not ideal.

I glance around, landing on a Housemaid.

“Excuse me,” I called out, “Is this the Solar?”

“Yes, Your Highness."

I nodded shakily, betraying my nerves, pushing open the door.

Inside sat The Princess, The Queen, and a butler, pouring tea. Luccretia’s head turned towards the door, smiling at my arrival.

“Cassiel. Sit, sit, I’d like to introduce you to my mother.”

Luccretia was smiling like nothing was wrong at all. Well, most likely, since surrounded by it all the time, so perhaps she never notices. Poor thing..

Can she not see how scary her mother’s resting face is? It seems like she’s intensely disappointed in me. We’ve never crossed paths once in our lives, and yet I feel that I’ve done something wrong.

“Cassiel..? Are you still tired?” Luccretia asked, tilting her head.

“Ah. Right, right. Excuse my behavior..”

I walked over to my seat, eyeing the three soldiers stationed in the back of the room, seeming to be Royal Knights. The Princess caught my eye, looking over.

“Right, Since you’ll be living here, you should get to know my guards. From left to right we have Sir Crest, Aurelius, and lastly Steelwill. You should be able to trust them. I only allow the best of the best to protect us.”

Aurelius’s mouth twitched visibly upward at the praise, earning a firm nudge from Steelwill. I almost let out a small laugh.

It doesn’t seem like this house will b

be of much trouble, except for the Queen of course.

We conversed for a few minutes about our upcoming marriage, and other things such as life itself. Although throughout, I tended to find Crest looking at me. Unnerving, yes, unnecessary, also yes, but surely he meant nothing by it.

Dude, this is awesome!

tysmmm!