Being the only child of the heir to the monarchy, Eiden's world revolved around his family. His young parents allowed him to enjoy his carefree life, luxuriously in style, and even though sometimes a little strict, both his grandparents showered him with love and care.

But, losing his grandmother, whom he thought of as an invincible ruler, genuinely loved by the public was an eye-opening event for him to see the harsh reality of his monarchical heritage. And now, be a monarch and start a family even before he reaches his magical maturity, when he feels like a lost child?

Eiden didn't speak anything along the way back to the infirmary, and as soon as his uncle left the room, he wept bitterly into the pillows.

An hour or two that he was allowed to walk outside did wonders for his health. Uncle also continued to visit and share details of government affairs.

"Hello,"

Eiden was startled and took his eyes off the book he was reading. He had been resting comfortably, lying on a cushioned recliner beside the fountain.

"I didn't hear you coming." He smiled at Esme who sat on a bench facing him.

Esmeralda had become an attractive young maiden. It was a captivating sight to see the light blue gown hugging her beautiful willowy figure. Esme held him under her eyes for a lengthy minute enough that Eiden felt his cheeks warm.

"Did my father ask you about a marriage proposal between us?" Her voice felt flat and dry to his ears like they lacked any emotion under them.

"You sound like you already hate the idea," he said.

"We have known each other since we were children, Eiden. You and Evan still going for each other's throats, all the time." Esme's tone was accusatory.

Like I didn't have a justifiable reason to do that, Eiden felt anger building up. But he didn't want any trouble, not when he was under his uncle's guardianship.

"We had reasons,“ he shrugged.

"So you have no objection?"

Is she going to fight with me? Eiden wondered.

"I told Uncle Elvin the same thing that we even don't know much about each other as grown-ups. Plus I never planned to get married this early. But I get that marriage is essential now, for the title," Eiden said, letting out a long sigh, and looked at Esme.

For a fleeting second, he thought there was fear in her eyes, also her magic felt stressed and tired. However, the black magic residue was thick around the Palace these days due to being held under a bloody regime led by rebels. That could make people fearful for no reason.

"Can you remember anything, anything at all?" she sounded desperate. That's exactly how Eiden felt when it came to his memories. Desperate for a clue, an answer, a titbit of information, whatever it was he was glad to remember something, anything at all.

"No, sometimes, images come and go, but I can't get the story." He hated to sound so unsure of himself.

"Does it bother you that I can't remember things?" Eiden asked thoughtfully, it was understandable. Esme didn't answer it right away. Does she look troubled?

"Father said you will remember slowly," she replied, looking far away into the garden.

Heavy footsteps were heard from the hallway indicating someone was coming. Both Uncle and Evan stepped out from the door to the courtyard. They stood up and waited for Uncle to have a seat. Evan sat beside Esme and sent a scathing look to Eiden, which made his insides boil.

"Are you feeling better, now? I'm sorry that I couldn't see you the last two days."

"It's fine, Uncle, I'm feeling much better. Were you busy?" Eiden would've liked it if Uncle asked his opinion on government matters, he needed to learn that now.

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

"Somewhat. Nayom informed me that you keep bothering them about when to start training again."

Eiden bit his lips and squirmed a little.

"I miss doing magic. Healer Nayom said no magic for three more days." Eiden wasn't comfortable saying that he couldn't do magic in front of his arch-nemesis.

"So, did you two discuss the potential of your union?" Uncle asked. The question was so sudden and it caught Eiden off guard.

"Father, you can't ask questions like that, we haven't seen each other for a long while and Eiden can't even remember," Esme complained, indignantly. Eiden was glad for Esmeralda's straightforward answer because he couldn't find anything to say.

"You can have enough time to get to know each other if you agree. If you don't, I need to contact some people with daughters, suitable for you, Eiden. We need to establish your position as soon as possible without delay. Her Ladyship's absence left us with some diplomatic problems. You understand what I mean, Eiden, right?"

"Yes, Uncle, I get that." Eiden never felt so utterly helpless and trapped.

"What do you think, then?"

Eiden met Esmeralda's eyes only to see the same helplessness mirrored in hers as his. He took a deep breath, his grandmother always thought of herself as the mother to all. The people and this land had been their responsibility for centuries, to care and nurture. He wasn't going to back down because of his messed up confused feelings.

"I have no objection only if Esme feels the same. I don't want to fight with Evan anymore either." That's it. However, he was feeling exactly the opposite of what he said. But, there was only one choice.

"Well said Eiden, that's the reason I brought Evan along today. I'm not going to tolerate any fights between you two, understand?"

Eiden dutifully said ‘Yes, Uncle’ while Evan grunted something that resembled agreement. The men looked at Esmeralda for an answer. She didn't see any of their eyes, but finally, she looked up.

"I have no objection either."

"Very good. Very good indeed," Uncle Elvin sounded pleased as he patted Eiden's head.

"Your aunt also has no objections. I talked to her before. Of course, we need to formally discuss this matter. Next week you are ready to be discharged. Are you willing to go to your family quarters?"

"Yes, Uncle, but the people who worked there are gone now, right?" Eiden never thought of moving to the empty house. He took a deep breath.

"I'm going to arrange new staff and will introduce you before moving back. It's only for a few years from now, then you need to move into the main residence. Let's go inside, and have supper." Uncle put a hand around Eiden, supporting him.

Esme fell behind with Evan, and they were having a hushed conversation, which made Eiden feel like a victim of a conspiracy. He shook his head to drive away such thoughts.

In the Nesolian Empire, the Nesols had always been the highest level of social hierarchy. Even though the magical power levels within the Nesol population spanned a wide spectrum, the fact that they had magical wings put them over Craigs, the lower-class magicals who lack the ability to summon wings.

Because of the long-established opinion that wingless Craig people were the lesser part of society, his injuries left Eiden feeling doubtful. Also, being a little scared that the damage to the wings would make people look down on him, he vowed to make a good impression on the lords and other officials.

Therefore, he immersed himself in political and administrative studies to get ready for the position of Steward and started attending house sittings. Even though there was a lot of press coverage when he first attended a house sitting with his uncle as his regent, no one tried to pressure him, asking about his injuries, which he counted as a really fortunate situation.

However, more than once, he felt that he was deprived of important insight and knowledge within high government. But, he was not in a position to demand or antagonize his uncle or Evan, who was now taking care of most of Uncle's work as Grand Duke of Thebes.

Besides, Eiden had more pressing concerns. Forget the boring politics, he had to see his prospective fiance which was the most difficult task of all time.

"Mm.. Hello," Eiden stood up and greeted Esme. It was Uncle Elvin who arranged for them to have dinner at Eiden's quarters.

"How's your day?" he awkwardly asked her.

"It's alright," Esme shrugged.

"Father said, you started studying again. Do you remember lessons from before?" She took a dainty mouthful of the broiled lobster. She looked elegant; a sudden thought crossed his mind, as his gaze fell to her lips.

"Mm, sort of, I wasn't studying much about law and stuff before. Only general. I miss our old master in the library,"

Master was one of the Palace occupants, whose whereabouts were currently unknown. Eiden noticed a painful and closed expression in Esme. He was a fool to mention that in the dinner.

He changed the topic asking if she might join some self-study sessions he was planning. The rest of the dinner dragged on with awkward topics and more awkward topic changes to the extent that Eiden felt relieved when it was over. He wondered if it was going to be like this for the rest of the dinners and teas and whatnot, that they were supposed to socialize like a loving couple.