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But immediately after swallowing the last bite, he made his excuses, not being able to wait a minute later. He was really running out of time.

“I am sorry, Amelia. It has been nice to see you, but I have to go.” He whispered his excuses to the woman at his side, giving her a warm kiss on the cheek.

There was no malice in his gesture towards her. It was just a brotherly force of habit that he had done before during their friendship. But he still did not want to encourage her that there could be anything more in their relationship.

“Thank you. I think you have stayed long enough.” Amelia forced a smile on her lips, thankful that he at least tried to remain a friend to her.

But she was not that stupid not to realize that he did not feel the same way as her. It was a childish puppy love that had gone long enough. She believed it was time to terminate her foolishness.

Although, she believed it would not be that easy, feeling the pain as it twisted her heart. Just like before, she assured herself that she would survive this. However, she regretted ever returning home.

.....

“Thank you for understanding.” The prince told his childhood friend. Then, he stood up from his seat and faced his father on his other side. “I am sorry, but I really must leave.”

He knew that his father was not happy with his decision, but he would not create a scene in front of the other guests. He apologized to the other people at the long table before finally saying goodbye to his mother.

But before he could leave the small palace, a voice called out to him and stopped him from his tracks. He was already in the hallway on the way out. But he had to turn around to face his father again.

“Before you leave, there are some matters that I wish to discuss with you. But because of the lack of time, I will just tell you now.” His father said, already decided that this was the best time to tell him about his plans.

He could see that his son was curious, but he was not happy that he was delaying him from his plans. However, he was eavesdropping on his conversation with Amelia.

He did not like that his son had turned her down. As far as he was concerned, they were the ideal match. When his son became the king, he would need a good queen to stand by his side. Amelia would be perfect for the job.

“What is it?” Lance did not feel like being courteous at the moment, seeing that his father was taking his sweet time.

He was extremely late at this rate, looking again at the hands that ticked on his watch. The more his father took up more of his time. He doubted if he would make it to dinner, he mused to himself.

“I think you should know that my friend, Leonardo, had finally agreed to your wedding to his daughter, Amelia.” He casually said as if he was discussing business as usual.

He could see the change in his son’s face. Lance was clearly not happy about it, but he was already expecting it. It was better that he heard about this now before he concocted the idea of dating that lowly reporter.

He believed that her kind would not be suitable to be involved with his son, especially now that he was being considered for the throne. He needed a wife that would fit their criteria.

“You what?” He suddenly burst into anger, unable to control his temper. “What makes you think I will agree to such an arrangement?”

He was not a stranger to this kind of setup between families. But he never thought that his father would think of finding him a bride. He was more than capable of choosing his wife when the time came. But not before.

In addition, he thought that since he was not an heir to the throne, he was not required to undergo such a ritual. Never did his parents discuss this with him in his entire life.

“Because you are my son.” He calmly said as if that should simply answer his question.

He could see the defiance in his son’s eyes. He could tell that he would not surrender to him that easily. But he knew some tricks that could make him agree with his plans.

In the meantime, he would let him sit on this idea until he was ready to accept it and the rest of his future. Because, as much as he hated it now, he had no choice but to obey him in the end.

“I am not going to do this. I will not marry Amelia because I do not love her.” He adamantly refused what his father was saying.

He wished that his father would simply drop the subject matter and leave him and Amelia alone. He did not want to string Amelia along in this insanity.

He could already foresee that she would only be hurt by this arrangement. Because he knew deep in his heart that he did not feel anything for her. She would only end up the loser in this nonsense agreement that their father’s made.

“You are bound by tradition to perform your obligation. Else, our family will have to face humiliation and lose our honor if we back out of this arrangement.” His father solemnly said, slightly changing his expression to match his tone.

He knew he would not win if he kept fighting with him. At this point, his guard was on high alert, and his walls were impenetrable.

He had to play his card right if he wanted to get his son’s sympathy and cooperation. He could not let him win and do what he wished, or all his plans would be for nothing.

“Why are you doing this?” Lance asked, confused by the reason for such an arrangement. He did not understand the need for him to be arranged in matrimony.

It just did not make sense to him. If it was just about the money. He had produced more than enough for himself and his future children.

“Because I am protecting your future, your legacy.” Count Thomas admitted as much, but he knew that his son was not ready for his more explosive news.

He just had to wait until he had arranged everything before telling him about it. Once he succeeded in his plan, no one would look down on him like he was lower than them.

However, if he failed, he would be once again a nobody, struggling to be recognized in a kingdom where the king and the duke were the only ruling party.

If he did not succeed with his plans, he would be king with no throne to sit on, no crown on his head, and no kingdom to rule.