The Reign of the Dragons: Chapter 6: The Engagement

The shopkeeper walked up to us and said, "Your Highness, Lady Allois, and Miss Allois, would you like to see something?"

"Yes. My father, the Emperor, has announced an engagement between the House of Breeze and House Allois, formerly House Blaze. I am here to purchase jewelry for my future bride." the Crown Prince said.

I knew he was referring to me. I looked at Narda, and she gave me a confirming nod.

He seemed kind, but I wasn't about to let myself be bound to anyone—not even the Crown Prince.

The shopkeeper led us inside, offering us seats while he retrieved the design books.

These weren't ordinary jewelry pieces. They weren't for sale to the public; rather, they would be custom-made according to the designs selected or requested.

When he returned, he carried several books, along with ink, brushes, and papers.

Daniel looked at me before asking for the books. He flipped through them with focused intent, carefully selecting and marking designs he liked.

"If I want a few designs combined, I will let you know. Please have them completed by next week." Daniel instructed.

The shopkeeper nodded.

I wanted to know his taste. According to Jane's memories, girls weren't allowed to refuse engagements decided by their elders. And mine was a royal arrangement—refusing it would be a crime.

Daniel must have noticed my unease because he turned to me and said, "You will like them. I chose them with the little understanding I have of you."

I felt bad for him. The person he thought he knew was gone. I was someone else in her body.

Narda requested additional books, separate from the ones Daniel had marked. She wanted to select something for both herself and me. She showed me a few options, but my eyes landed on a choker with a dragon's head at the center, a ruby set as its eye.

It reminded me of Red.

But Narda shook her head. "That's not for girls your age."

Disappointed, I looked through the rest but didn't find anything I liked. In the end, I let her choose for me.

The market fascinated and frustrated me. The designs were exquisite, but the restrictions were stifling compared to my own time.

After paying for the jewelry Narda ordered, we bid farewell to Daniel and left.

Back at the mansion, I turned to Narda. "Is it true, Mom? Am I really going to marry the Crown Prince?"

Narda nodded. "It has been decided by the Emperor. He always intended for you to be his daughter-in-law. That was why he allowed you to interact with all the princes. But you bonded most with the Crown Prince."

"Do you think I'll be okay marrying him?"

"He is the best choice among the princes." Narda assured me. "Initially, His Majesty wanted you to marry the third prince, but your grandfather intervened. The third prince is ten years older than you, while the Crown Prince is only three years older."

I nodded.

I knew that age gaps didn't matter in arranged marriages, but I was grateful that Grandfather had secured someone closer to my age.

"What is the Crown Prince like?"

"He is calm, rational, and never allows emotions to cloud his judgment. He has no vices or tendencies that would be a concern. Most importantly, he has publicly declared that he will have only one wife—no concubines, no secondary wives."

That was reassuring. But another concern nagged at me.

"Does he love someone else? If he does, then I'd just be his wife in name."

Narda smiled knowingly. "He does. He has always loved you. When Father jokingly said he could marry you if he became Crown Prince, he took it seriously. The first thing he asked for upon his appointment was your return—and mine. He's hiding something, but I believe you will uncover it in time."

A servant entered the room and bowed. "Lady Allois, someone from the Crown Prince's mansion is here."

A woman stepped in. She was dressed in elegant yet practical attire, exuding an air of authority.

"Miss Allois, we must visit Blaze Mansion to formalize the dowry." she announced. "I am Samantha Raymond, the chief maid of the Crown Prince's household. Lady Allois, you are welcome to accompany us. I will ensure your safety while in Blaze Mansion. The Crown Prince is already there, waiting."

I hesitated.

Grandfather walked in. "I know the Crown Prince is present, but may I come along?"

Samantha nodded. "The Crown Prince anticipated your request and instructed me to extend the invitation. He said, 'Please do come, Lord Allois. You might enjoy this particular visit.'"

Grandfather chuckled. "Then let's not keep him waiting."

Narda took my hand as we stepped outside to the carriages.

One stood out from the rest. It bore the royal insignia.

"Miss Allois, the Crown Prince requested that you ride in this carriage." Samantha informed me. "You will receive the dowry list and may choose which items to withhold from House Blaze. Any omitted items will be added to House Allois's share."

I nodded and stepped into the carriage with Samantha, while Narda and Grandfather entered another.

Once we were en route, Samantha handed me a box. "This is from the Crown Prince."

I opened it and gasped. It was the dragon choker I had admired earlier in the shop.

I smiled. He had noticed.

"Please convey my thanks to him." I said.

"You can tell him yourself when you see him. He said he wants to hear your response personally."

I nodded.

Samantha took the choker and fastened it around my neck. "It suits you, Miss Allois."

"Thank you."

Next, she handed me a scroll. "This contains the dowry list. Please cross out anything you wish to keep for House Allois. The Crown Prince has stated that you are free to remove everything if you wish."

I unrolled the scroll and scanned its contents. My eyebrows rose.

This would be an interesting day.

I crossed out nearly everything, leaving only modest items—things an average family might offer in a dowry. When I finished, I returned the scroll to Samantha.

"The Crown Prince predicted that you would do this. You nearly crossed out everything he anticipated." she said, amusement evident in her tone. "It seems the two of you think alike."

I smiled.

Soon, we arrived at Blaze Mansion.

As I pulled back the carriage curtain, I saw the Crown Prince waiting, his hand extended to help me down.

I took his hand.

"Thank you for the choker." I said. "I love it even more now that I see it up close."

Click 'Chapter 7' to read the next chapter.