Chapter 18 – The Crown Prince’s Dilemma

Chapter 18 – The Crown Prince’s Dilemma

Crown Prince Oliver Alvaro, heir to the throne of the Alvaro Kingdom, was a man molded for power. Trained from childhood under the eyes of scholars, tacticians, and seasoned rulers, he knew the shape of every decision made behind palace walls. He was charming, sharp, and most dangerously—self-aware. He knew the strengths he had, and how to wield them like a sword.

Few dared to speak against him. Fewer still could deceive him. So when his father summoned him to a private meeting several days ago, he knew something significant had shifted.

The King sat in his usual seat within the private study, dressed plainly in royal blue robes that belied the razor-edged intellect behind his aging face.

“You summoned me, Father?” Oliver asked, stepping into the chamber with measured grace.

King Grayson motioned to the chair across from him. “Sit, Oliver. We have much to discuss.”

Oliver sat without hesitation.

“There is now a fourth person on the continent who has awakened unique magic,” the King began without preamble.

Oliver’s eyes lit up with genuine interest. “Another? Who is it? Someone from our kingdom?”

The King gave a slight nod. “Yes. The daughter of Duke Rivera—Stella Rivera.”

Oliver’s expression soured instantly. “Stella?”

“She’s awakened unique magic,” the King said calmly.

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Oliver leaned forward, his brow furrowed. “She’s a nightmare. She used to insult nobles to their faces, humiliate her own servants, and terrorize social gatherings. Half the younger generation still flinches when they hear her name.

“More than that,” the King said. “She suffered an accident before her awakening. Her personality has changed—drastically. Her memories are… fragmented. Her demeanor now is calm, distant, and unpredictable. Perhaps even regal.”

Oliver crossed his arms, conflicted. “Father, if this is true, it's dangerous. Giving wings to a snake never ends well. What if the change is temporary?”

The King smiled faintly. “That’s why you will test the waters.”

Oliver blinked. “You want me to what?”

“You will court her. Marry her, if she’s willing. Make her queen.”

There was a heavy silence.

“Father,” Oliver said slowly, “I’ve accepted that I may never marry for love, but this... this is madness. She’s unpredictable. What if she turns against us?”

The King’s smile vanished. “If we don’t bind her to our house, someone else will. Her power will not stay hidden forever. When the other kingdoms and empires hear of her awakening, they will move.”

Oliver sat back, the weight of his father’s words settling like iron on his shoulders. The King wasn’t wrong. Unique magic users were cataclysmic by nature. Alice the Splitter had destroyed a fortress with a single strike. Remos the Heavenly Archer ended an entire war with one arrow by killing the enemy prized Grand general even before war. Edward the Misfortune simply walked into places and ruin followed.

And now, Stella Rivera was one of them.

“She could be a disaster... or our greatest asset,” Oliver murmured.

The King nodded. “Exactly. Which is why she must belong to us.”

Oliver looked down at his hands, thinking. He had once dreamed of falling in love. Of marrying someone gentle, someone kind. Not this. Not a gamble wrapped in royal silk.

“And if she refuses?” Oliver asked quietly.

“You will find a way,” the King said firmly. “Charm her. Impress her. Sacrifice whatever you must. Just make her stay.”

As the meeting ended, the King added one final remark, a spark of amusement in his tone. “You haven’t seen her yet, have you?”

Oliver paused at the door.

The King smiled. “With her starlight hair and regal aura... you might find your heart has other ideas.”

—

Hours later, Oliver found himself wandering the palace garden, the moonlight casting shadows against his thoughts. He walked slowly, trying to piece together everything he knew—or thought he knew—about the girl called Stella.

She had been a horror story in his youth. He remembered a ball years ago where she’d deliberately spilled wine on a noble girl just to mock her. He’d heard rumors of her slapping a maid in public. He’d never met her personally, but her reputation had spoken volumes.

But now... everything had changed.

“She lost her memories?” he whispered to himself. “A new mind in the shell of a villainess?”

It sounded absurd. And yet… if her personality truly had changed… if she had truly become someone else...

Wait! what if her personality become more troublesome.

And if the his majesty was right—if she really was that powerful—then perhaps this wasn’t a political mission. Perhaps it was a warning.

Not just to woo her.

But to survive her.

And maybe—just maybe—fall for her before the world burns.