The Crown Prince Thinks I'm a Guy

The Ghost of a Political Marriage

"Umm..." the boy asked hesitantly, probably worried that the enchanting atmosphere would be broken. "So, how do we get out of here?"

Funny he would ask because... I, too, had no idea.

I was already getting a bit irritated as the darkness of the night didn't offer any suggestions. In fact, it answered my woes with an army of fire bugs, as though I was asking for something to make the night more delightful and beautiful.

But, here's the thing. It's night time, and when the sun's out, I've got to run straight back home, because if not... I'm dead. Here I am, twice-killed in a single day by my beloved guardian, Regina.

"I'm gonna be late... again." I let my body fall onto the mini-floating island's soft grass. I allowed myself to dismember the grass from the soil to ease my frustration. "I am so dead... Why did I have to jump into this island... Why??"

"You know..." I heard the boy sit down beside me, sounding utterly at ease. "We can just look at this as a new adventure. Hmm... Sleeping outdoors on a floating isle! Something like that. I bet we'll be the first adventurers to ever do that."

"Yeah, sure," I grumbled. "Except we aren't adventurers. We're children! I'm only a stupid gi-ugh... boy who has no name, and you're a supposed prince."

"Hey!" he shouted, inching closer. "What do you mean 'supposed' prince? Do you still doubt it?"

I laughed at the child's audacity. "Then prove it."

It was dark and the moon barely gave any light from being partially covered by clouds. But, the fire bugs, no matter how annoying they were with all their low buzzing, allowed me to see Sneak's glare in all its glory. But, he doesn't seem to have any way to prove his absurd claim though, judging by his silence. So, I decided to help him out.

"You should just come out and tell the truth, you know," I told him with a smirk. "I won't get angry about you lying about it."

"... I am not lying!" he screamed in agitation.

"Oh, come on," I said, getting more amused as much as I was getting more frustrated by his stubbornness. "If you're so sure, then answer these simple questions, then."

He nodded, desperate to prove his point.

"What's the full name of the crown prince?" I asked.

"MY full name is Kareem Kale of Parivaar Chandra, although outsiders can always call me Charles of House Mond if that suits your tongues," he spat angrily, his face turning red. "This prince is the seventh lunar child of the Goddess Luna, and third son of Emperor Jadhav. This one's introductions might have been overdue, but it's a joy to formally meet you."

I wanted to laugh at his furious expression, but his words did hold truth. And although he had recited it crudely because of his anger, there was an obvious ease to his words, as though he had said this line many times before.

But, well... That may be all there is to it. Memorizing a line many times can easily make one seem like a prince. After all, I've been going through my own version of memorizing, mainly on the ways of a commoner boy so I could easily seem like one.

My judging smile returned to my face, making his arrogant smirk crack a bit.

"Second question: What is the form of the Mond Empire's economic system?" I asked. True, it was a hard question for any child, but not a particularly tricky one for a prince.

"... The Mond Empire has always had a closed economy since the time of our forefathers, but recent attempts of reconciliation with multiple nations around the Aerim Continent, including our greatest rivaling nation, the Kingdom of Saule, has prompted our government to allow an open market in our three major cities, including the royal city capital. Frankly, I believe it is a move that must be made if we are to improve as a nation, but I believe it was too sudden a move."