The Crowns Choice

❦ Chapter Three: Charlotte ❦

I'm still grappling with the idea of The Crowns Choice. It's like trying to hold onto a handful of sand—the tighter I grip, the more it slips through my fingers. It's not just the process itself that bothers me, though that's a large part of it. It's the way it all feels so contrived, so utterly detached from the real issues facing our kingdom. It's a distraction, a show to placate the masses while the cracks in the system continue to widen.

Father's office is as grand as ever, filled with mahogany furniture and portraits of our ancestors. It's meant to be reassuring, but right now, it feels more like a gilded cage. I'm sitting across from King Rhys, trying to maintain my composure while he leans forward, his gaze steady but distant. The room, though meticulously arranged, feels oppressive—a reflection of the expectations and disappointments that seem to hang between us.

"Charlotte," he begins, his voice calm but carrying a note of the same frustration I've heard too many times, "I understand your reservations about The Crowns Choice. I really do. But I want you to see it from a different perspective."

I sigh, looking out the large window behind him, where the sprawling city of Elaria stretches out like a mosaic of lights and shadows. The city looks peaceful from here, but I know better. "I've heard your perspective, Father. But I'm not convinced."

He nods, his expression thoughtful but marred by a hint of weariness. "When I went through my Selection, it wasn't just about finding a suitable partner. It was about finding someone who complimented me in ways I didn't even realise I needed. And in doing so, it brought me closer to your mother."

I glance at him, noting the contrast between his warm memories and the cold reality of our relationship. "But you're saying this isn't really about me finding someone who compliments me. It's about finding someone who will be acceptable to the kingdom, right?"

Father's smile is strained, almost forced. "It's both, in a way. The kingdom needs to see that its future queen is making a choice that aligns with our traditions. And you deserve to find someone who makes you happy, someone who can support you in your role."

I shake my head, feeling a pang of frustration. "It all sounds so idealistic. What if I don't want to play along with this tradition? What if I don't believe in it?"

He leans back in his chair, his gaze hardening slightly. "Tradition holds us together, Charlotte. It gives us stability. And sometimes, personal sacrifices are necessary for the greater good."

I pull my hand back, feeling the weight of his expectations pressing down on me. "I'll think about it," I say finally, though my voice lacks conviction.

He gives me a nod, a mix of hope and resignation in his eyes. "That's all I ask."

As I leave his office, I feel a mix of confusion and frustration. His words linger in my mind, but they don't quite soothe the tumult of emotions swirling within me. The conversation with him always seems to end in disappointment. The chasm between us is deep, the scars from his anger running deeper than skin. I've learned to navigate around it, to avoid confrontation, but it doesn't change the fact that the relationship is strained, fractured in ways that go beyond mere misunderstandings.

I head to my chambers, needing to be alone with my thoughts. The weight of the crown feels heavier than ever, a constant reminder of the expectations I'm meant to live up to. The idea of opening up to a group of strangers, all competing for my attention, makes me feel trapped and exposed. I've always prided myself on being in control, on keeping my emotions and desires tightly bound. The thought of letting anyone in, even for the sake of a royal tradition, feels like a vulnerability I'm not ready to face.

The door to my chambers opens with a quiet creak, and Kaius walks in, his usual mischievous grin in place. "So, how's the princess' life treating you?"

I can't help but smile at his playful tone. "Oh, you know. Just another day in paradise."