The throne room was silent when Crown Prince Kael entered.
He did not rush.
He did not bow.
He did not smile.
The ministers lowered their gazes first. Kael Viremont did not need marriage. He commanded the royal army. He controlled trade routes through private agreements.
Half the noble houses owed him favors. The other half feared him.
"Your Highness," said the Chancellor carefully, "the Selection will strengthen alliances. It is a necessary formality."
Kael's dark eyes moved lazily across the court.
"A formality," he repeated. He already had alliances.
He already had leverage. He already had power.
A wife would not strengthen him.
But she could expose him. Or worse; be used against him. "I will attend," he said at last. A visible sigh of relief passed through the room.
"But understand this." His voice lowered.
"I am not looking for a partner." Silence.
"If someone wishes to win my favor… they better survive me first."