And as Alexandria started to leave the study, there was a knock on the door. Augustus sighed and called out, "Come in."

Sebastian, Augustus's trusted butler, entered the room. "Your Highness, I have come to inform you that the tithes look to be completed by the end of the day. Also, you are expected to give the opening speech at the commissioning ceremony of the new legion in around 3 days if the timetable matches.."

Augustus nodded, already thinking about the speech he would have to give. "Thank you, Sebastian. I will start working on the speech as soon as possible."

Sebastian gave a small bow. "Of course, Your Highness. Is there anything else you require?"

Augustus glanced at Alexandria and then shook his head. "No, that will be all for now, Sebastian. Thank you."

Sebastian bowed again and left the room, closing the door behind him. Augustus turned back to Alexandria, trying his best to ignore the knot of tension in his stomach.

"I'm afraid I'll have to cut our conversation short, Alexandria," Augustus said coolly. "I have work to do."

Alexandria's eyes narrowed. "You always have work to do, Augustus. It's like you're trying to avoid me."

Augustus bristled at her accusation. "I am not avoiding you. I simply have a lot of responsibilities as the heir."

"But what about us?" Alexandria said, her voice rising slightly. "What about our relationship? You can't just put it on hold because you're too busy."

Augustus sighed. "I know that, Alexandria. But my duties come first. You knew that when we started this relationship."

Alexandria crossed her arms. "I knew it, but I didn't think it would be like this. I thought we could find some time for each other, but it seems like you don't even want to try."

"That's not true," Augustus said, his voice rising in frustration. "I want to make time for us, but it's not always possible. You have to understand that."

Alexandria shook her head. "I don't understand, Augustus. I feel like I'm just here to be your betrothed, nothing more. I thought we had something special, but now I'm not so sure."

Augustus stood up, feeling his anger rising. "How can you say that? I cared about you, Alexandria. I always have."

Alexandria looked up at him, her expression softening slightly. "Then show me, Augustus. Show me that our relationship is more than just a formality. Show me that you care."

Augustus hesitated for a moment before reaching out and taking her hand. "I do care, Alexandria. I care more than you know. I'll try to make more time for us, I promise."

Alexandria smiled, the tension between them easing slightly. "Thank you, Augustus. That's all I ask."

Augustus felt a wave of relief wash over him as he squeezed her hand. Maybe there was hope for their relationship after all. As Augustus finished discussing the commissioning ceremony with Sebastian, he felt a pair of eyes on him. He looked up to see Alexandria still sitting there, watching him intently.

"Is there something else you need, Alexandria?" Augustus asked, trying to keep his tone neutral.

Alexandria hesitated for a moment before speaking. “There is," she said softly. "I wanted to talk to you about something else."

Augustus raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"

Alexandria took a deep breath before continuing. "I know things between us have been...difficult," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "But I wanted to apologize for my behavior in the past. I was foolish and immature, and I realize now how much I hurt you."

Augustus was taken aback by her words. He had not expected her to apologize, and he certainly had not expected to feel a small flicker of warmth in his chest at her confession.

"I appreciate your apology, Alexandria," Augustus said, his voice softening slightly. "But that doesn't change the fact that we are betrothed. It's important that we learn to work together, but I can't promise that I will ever see you as anything more than a political alliance."

Alexandria looked down, her face falling. "I understand," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Augustus could see the hurt in her eyes, and he felt a twinge of guilt. He knew that he was being cold and distant, but he didn't know how to be anything else. He had never been one for romance or sentimentality, and the idea of opening himself up to someone else terrified him.

But as he looked at Alexandria, he realized that he couldn't keep pushing her away forever. She was his betrothed, whether he liked it or not, and it was time for him to start treating her as such.

"Listen," Augustus said, clearing his throat. "I know we've had our differences, but perhaps we can start fresh. Would you be willing to join me for dinner tonight? We can talk more about our upcoming duties and get to know each other better."

Alexandria's eyes widened in surprise, and Augustus couldn't help but feel a small surge of satisfaction at her reaction.

"Of course," Alexandria said, her voice softening. "I would like that."

Augustus nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. Maybe this betrothal wouldn't be so bad after all. As Augustus and Alexandria sat together, enjoying their dessert, Alexandria noticed the pile of paperwork that Augustus had been diligently working on.

"Is there anything I can help you with, Augustus?" she asked, gesturing to the pile of papers.

Augustus hesitated for a moment before responding. He wasn't used to having someone else help him with his work, but he found himself drawn to Alexandria's kindness and willingness to assist.

"Well, if you don't mind, I could use some help with these reports," Augustus said, nodding towards the stack of documents.

This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

Alexandria smiled. "Of course, I'd be happy to help."

Together, they worked on the reports, with Augustus showing Alexandria the ropes of his job. As they worked, Augustus found himself opening up to Alexandria in a way that he hadn't with anyone else. He found himself sharing stories of his childhood and dreams for the future.

Alexandria listened intently, her eyes shining with interest and admiration. Augustus couldn't help but feel drawn to her, her beauty and intelligence captivating him.

As they finished the last of the reports, Augustus leaned back in his chair and let out a deep sigh of relief.

"Thank you, Alexandria," he said, turning to her. "I couldn't have done it without you."

Alexandria smiled warmly. "It was my pleasure, Augustus. I'm happy to help in any way I can."

Augustus gazed at her, his heart beating fast. He knew that he was falling for her, and he didn't know how to stop it.

"I...I don't know what to say," he stammered, his eyes locking with hers.

Alexandria placed her hand on his, sending shivers down his spine. "You don't have to say anything, Augustus. Just know that I'm here for you, no matter what."

As Augustus tried to focus on his work, his thoughts kept drifting back to Isabel and the dance they shared the night before. He couldn't deny that he was attracted to her, despite their difference in social status.

But then there was Alexandria, his betrothed, whom he had known for most of his life. He couldn't just ignore his obligations to her, and he knew that his parents had arranged their marriage for political reasons.

He felt torn between his feelings for Isabel and his duty to Alexandria. He knew he couldn't have both, but he couldn't decide which one he wanted more.

As he tried to push aside his conflicted emotions, he couldn't help but feel a sense of guilt for even considering someone else. He had made a commitment to Alexandria, and he didn't want to break that promise.

But the memory of Isabel's comforting presence and their shared moment on the dance floor lingered in his mind, causing his heart to race.

He took a deep breath and shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. He knew he needed to focus on his duties as prince and fulfill his responsibilities to his betrothed.

But as he worked alongside Alexandria, he couldn't help but feel a growing sense of distance between them. He wondered if she felt it too, or if it was all in his head.

He glanced over at her, watching as she worked diligently to organize the paperwork. She was beautiful, no doubt, but he couldn't deny the lack of chemistry between them.

As the day wore on, Augustus felt himself growing more and more conflicted. He knew he needed to make a decision about his feelings, but he didn't know where to start.

Augustus made his way to the castle's garden, taking in the sight of the colorful flowers and the gentle breeze that rustled the leaves of the trees. As he walked, he couldn't help but think about his complicated feelings for Isabel and Alexandria. He wished things were simpler, but the more he thought about it, the more he realized that his heart was torn between the two.

As he stood there, lost in thought, he heard the soft sound of footsteps approaching. He turned to see Alexandria walking towards him, her hair catching the light of the setting sun.

"Good evening, Your Highness," Alexandria said with a small smile as she approached him.

"Good evening, Alexandria," Augustus replied, feeling a flutter in his chest at the sight of her.

They stood there for a moment, neither of them saying anything. The air was thick with tension, and Augustus could feel his heart pounding in his chest. He wanted to say something, to tell Alexandria how he felt, but he didn't know how to start.

"You know, Augustus," Alexandria said suddenly, breaking the silence. "I never thought I would find myself in this position. Being betrothed to someone I barely knew, feeling like I was living in a dream. But then I met you, and everything changed."

Augustus looked at her, his heart racing. "What do you mean?"

"I mean that being with you makes me feel alive," Alexandria said, taking a step closer to him. "It's like all the colors in the world have suddenly become brighter, and I can't help but smile every time I'm near you."

Augustus felt his throat go dry as he looked into her eyes. He had never felt so conflicted in his life. On the one hand, he was drawn to Isabel's fiery spirit and her ability to break through his walls. But on the other hand, there was Alexandria, his betrothed, who had been by his side since childhood and who he knew would always be there for him.

"I know we have a lot of obstacles to overcome," Alexandria continued, taking his hand. "But I'm willing to face them with you, Augustus. I'm willing to fight for us, if you'll let me."

Augustus felt a surge of emotion in his chest as he looked at her. He didn't know what the future held, but he knew one thing for sure: he wanted Alexandria by his side, no matter what. He leaned in and pressed his lips to hers, the taste of her on his tongue making his heart skip a beat.

As Sebastian approached Augustus and Alexandria in the garden, he cleared his throat to get their attention.

"Your Highness, Lady Alexandria," he said with a small bow. "May I interrupt your peaceful moment for a moment?"

Augustus turned to face Sebastian. "Of course, Sabastian. What is it?"

"I was wondering if you and Lady Alexandria would be dining in the castle tonight?" Sebastian asked. "If so, I can inform the chef and have him prepare something special for the occasion."

Augustus glanced at Alexandria, then back to Sebastian. "Actually, I was thinking of taking Lady Alexandria out to dine somewhere else tonight. Would that be possible?"

Sebastian nodded. "Certainly, Your Highness. Where would you like to go?"

Augustus thought for a moment before turning to Alexandria. "Do you have any particular place in mind, my lady?"

Alexandria smiled. "There's a lovely little tavern not far from here that I've heard serves delicious food. Perhaps we could try that?"

Augustus nodded, a small smile forming on his lips. "That sounds perfect. Thank you, Sabastian."

Sebastian bowed again. "As you wish, Your Highness. I'll inform the stable master to prepare the carriage for you."

With that, Sebastian turned and made his way back to the castle.

Augustus turned to Alexandria. "Shall we?" he said, offering her his arm.

Alexandria took his arm with a smile, and together they made their way to the carriage, both feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation for the evening ahead.

As Augustus and Alexandria stepped outside the grand gate, they were greeted by a row of carriages lined up, waiting for them.

The keep itself was an imposing structure, surrounded by tall bastion walls that provided a sense of security and protection. Despite its size, the keep had a peaceful aura about it, thanks in part to the well-manicured gardens that surrounded it.

As they walked towards the waiting carriages, Augustus couldn't help but admire the view from the keep. From up here, they had a clear view of the entire city of Hallgerd, with its bustling streets and busy harbor. (I never specified where Hallgerd is located did I)

"The view is breathtaking," Alexandria said, his voice full of awe.

Augustus nodded in agreement. "It truly is. Descending from the keep is always a magical experience "

As they climbed into one of the carriages, Augustus couldn't help but feel grateful for everything he had. He had a beautiful betrothed, a loyal friend in Sebastian, and a home that was both grand and welcoming.

As the carriage made its way towards the city, Augustus took one last look at the keep, knowing that he would always feel safe and protected within its walls.