Reincarnated As The Crazy Prince

Chapter Thirteen: An Unexpected Request

Prince Lorcan started his morning with a walk through the palace gardens, finding solace in the peaceful surroundings. The previous weeks had been transformative for him, thanks to his growing alliance with Duke Aldric of the North. Their strategic discussions had opened new avenues of thought, and Lorcan found himself enjoying the Duke's company more each day.

When Lorcan arrived at their usual meeting spot, he found Duke Aldric waiting for him. Aldric greeted him with a slight bow, a respectful nod that Lorcan returned with a smile.

"Good morning, Duke Aldric. It's always a pleasure to see you," Lorcan said, his mood lightened by the sight of his friend.

Aldric's eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief. "Your Highness, I must say our conversations have been quite enriching. They have made me realize how much I enjoy your company."

Lorcan raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Aldric's unusual candor. "Indeed? I'm glad to hear you say that, Aldric. What do you have in mind?"

Aldric took a deep breath, his demeanor becoming more serious. "Your Highness, I would like to ask you for the honor of spending an evening with me. A private dinner, perhaps, to discuss matters beyond the usual politics and strategy."

Lorcan considered the proposition for a moment, amused by Aldric's unexpected request. "A date, you mean?" he asked, a hint of a smile playing at his lips.

Aldric nodded, a soft smile on his face. "Yes, Your Highness. I believe it would be a nice change of pace for us to enjoy each other's company in a different setting."

Before Lorcan could respond, an unexpected voice cut through the air, loud and full of anger. Eris had overheard the exchange and rushed forward, his face red with fury.

"How dare you ask that of him?" Eris shouted, his anger directed at Aldric. "Lorcan is engaged! Do you have no respect for his commitment?"

Aldric took a step back, his expression calm in the face of Eris's outburst. "Lord Eris, my request was made with the prince's feelings and intentions in mind. It is up to him to decide how he wishes to proceed."

Lorcan intervened, placing a hand on Eris's shoulder. "Eris, please, calm yourself. I appreciate your concern, but Duke Aldric is merely proposing a friendly dinner. There is no harm in that."

Eris's anger did not abate. "You cannot possibly think this is appropriate, Lorcan! You're engaged, and yet you entertain the idea of a date with another man!"

Lorcan sighed, his patience wearing thin. "Eris, you misunderstand the situation. I will decide what is appropriate for me. Please do not overstep your bounds."

Eris's face twisted with frustration, but he took a step back, clearly not wanting to further upset Lorcan. He shot a warning glare at Aldric before turning and storming off.

Aldric watched him go, then turned back to Lorcan with an apologetic expression. "My apologies, Your Highness. I did not mean to cause any distress."

Lorcan waved away his concerns. "It's not your fault, Aldric. Eris is just protective. We can discuss the dinner another time."

Aldric nodded, grateful for Lorcan's understanding. "Of course, Your Highness. I appreciate your openness to the idea. I shall await your decision."

With the matter settled, the two returned to their earlier conversation, but the encounter with Eris left a lingering sense of tension in the air. Despite the interruption, Lorcan knew he would need to address his relationship with Eris soon and find a way to balance the competing loyalties in his life.