The carriage rolled along the bumpy road as we left the village. My mind kept drifting back to Lady Liana, the Duke of North’s daughter, whom I’d just met. She wasn’t like any noble I’d ever met before—she was smart, straightforward, and determined to bring about change. I couldn’t help but be impressed.
Sitting across from me, Arlen, my secretary, looked up from his notes and gave me a curious glance. “You’ve been quiet for a while, Your Highness,” he said, raising an eyebrow.
Arlen was one of the few people who knew who I truly was: Prince Calve, the king’s second son. I spent most of my days traveling as a healer, helping people and learning about the lives of the kingdom’s common folk. This disguise had started as a way to understand my people, but it had become more than that—it was a part of who I was now.
I shrugged and gave him a small smile. “I met someone interesting today,” I said, trying to keep things light. “A noblewoman with quite an unusual approach to health.”
I couldn’t hold back a laugh as I recalled the moment she started talking a mile a minute, completely absorbed in her own ideas, barely pausing to take a breath. It was as if her thoughts were racing ahead of her words, tumbling out in such a way that I couldn’t help but be charmed by her enthusiasm. Who would have thought that the Duke, known everywhere for his stern and cold demeanor, had such an expressive and lively daughter? The way she carried herself, so full of energy and curiosity, was the complete opposite of what I had imagined. She had this incredible spark about her, the kind of person who could make you forget the weight of the world around you with just a few words.
It made sense now that she had been kept out of the public eye for so long due to her illness. She must have been hiding away in the shadows, her presence concealed from society, which explained why most of the kingdom knew so little about her. I had assumed she would be like her father—silent, reserved, and distant—but she was nothing like that. In fact, I couldn’t remember the last time I had met someone who spoke with such passion, or who seemed so driven by their desire to make a difference.
As she spoke, I realized that she had so much more depth than I had first thought. She wasn’t just some sheltered noblewoman hidden away for her health. She had ideas, visions for the future, and a genuine desire to help people. That’s what set her apart—she wasn’t confined by the norms of her station, and despite her illness, she still had an unyielding will to improve the world around her. It was refreshing to see someone so unafraid to show their true self, even in a place where appearances mattered so much.
Arlen leaned in, clearly intrigued. “Oh? Who might that be?”
“Lady Liana,” I replied. “The Duke of North’s daughter. She’s been teaching villagers about basic hygiene—things like soap and hand-washing. It’s rare to see a noblewoman doing that kind of work.”
Arlen raised his eyebrows, surprised. “A noble talking about hygiene with villagers? That’s… unusual.”
I nodded, glancing out the window at the passing fields. “Yes, but she’s not just talking. She’s actually doing something to help them. She’s showing them how to live healthier lives, and she’s explaining it in a way that makes sense to them. It’s the kind of change we need.”
Arlen smirked knowingly. “And you like that, don’t you? You like her practical ideas.”
I paused, realizing he was right. I hadn’t noticed until now, but I’d been talking about her non-stop since we left the village. “It’s refreshing,” I admitted. “Most people in the palace are set in their ways. But Lady Liana—she looks past the old traditions and finds ways to make life better. She’s the kind of person who could really help improve the kingdom.”
Arlen nodded in agreement. “Sounds like you’ve met someone who thinks like you do.”
I considered this, feeling the weight of it. “Maybe I have,” I said softly. “It’s rare to meet someone who just sees me as a person and not a prince or even just a healer. With her, I feel like I can be myself.”
Arlen’s smile faded, and his face grew serious. “Be careful, Calve,” he warned. “If she finds out who you really are…”
“I know,” I said, cutting him off. The last thing I wanted was for her to think I was just another royalty passing through, playing at making changes without understanding the struggle.
Arlen must have sensed my reluctance to talk more about Liana, so he switched to other matters. As prince, my duty went beyond simply treating patients or helping villagers. I was here to listen, to understand how my people really felt. My father, though he meant well, ruled cautiously, relying on old traditions. I wanted to find ways to make life better for people, but without causing trouble or rebellion. I believed change was possible if we did it step by step.
After a quiet moment, I looked back at Arlen. “How are the reports from the eastern villages?”
“Mixed news,” he said, his tone turning serious. “The drought has been hard on the farmers there, and many families are struggling. But the supplies you arranged have helped a bit. Still, people are frustrated and tired.”
I nodded, thinking it over. “We’ll need to visit there soon. Some of the herbal remedies we’ve used might help with their health issues caused by lack of food.”
Arlen gave me a concerned look. “You take on so much, Calve. More than anyone else sees.”
I want this kingdom to become a place where everyone can live in peace, a place where safety and health aren’t privileges but rights. People shouldn’t have to live in fear of sickness or violence, and they should be able to trust that tomorrow will bring something good. I don’t want anyone else to suffer the pain that I once did, or watch their loved ones go through things that could have been prevented. That’s why I have to stay strong—strong enough to face whatever obstacles come my way, and steady enough to create a lasting change. I can’t let weakness or fear hold me back, not when so much depends on building a better future for this kingdom.
I nodded, looking out the window again. “That’s why I keep traveling, Arlen,” I said. “I want to understand the kingdom and its people beyond the palace walls. Meeting someone like Lady Liana only proves to me that real change is possible if we’re willing to put in the effort.”
Arlen didn’t say anything, just gave me a supportive nod as the carriage continued down the road. I couldn’t help but wonder what Lady Liana would think if she ever found out my true identity.
"It's the only way I can help the people, Arlen," I said, staring out the window of the carriage, my thoughts drifting.
"You could do so much more if you took back your rights on the throne, Your Highness," Arlen replied in his usual serious tone.
I turned to him with a sharp glance, not pleased by his suggestion. "I’ve told you before, Arlen. That’s the last thing I want. I have no desire for that kind of power. It demands everything—everything I am—and I’m not willing to give that up."
Arlen bowed his head, understanding I wouldn’t change my mind, and fell silent. I could feel the weight of his concern, but I knew deep down that ruling was not the path I was meant to take.
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