Page 102 of Throne Off Course

“As for governance,” Alexander continued, “the monarchy should be more transparent and accessible. The palace walls have kept the royal family separate from the people for too long. I believe in open dialogues, not just carefully staged appearances.”

He paused, then added with quiet conviction, “And our diplomatic strategy needs modernization. My father saw this, he knew our future wasn’t in maintaining outdated alliances based solely on historical ties, but in forming new partnerships that reflect today’s global challenges. Technological disruption, inequality. These don’t stop at borders, and neither should our solutions.”

Eliza tilted her head, intrigued. “You want to modernize.”

“I want to build on our strengths while acknowledging our weaknesses,” Alexander replied, his gaze steady. “Caledonia has nearly a thousand years of history, but I’m more interested in ensuring we have a thousand more. That means preserving what works and having the courage to change what doesn’t. Too many monarchs have ruled by looking backward. I intend to lead by looking forward.”

There was a long silence.

“Those are ambitious goals, Your Highness. Critics might say you lack the experience to implement such sweeping changes,” Eliza countered.

Alexander nodded, acknowledging the challenge. “They might. But keep in mind, I haven’t had a typical upbringing. I’ve studied under our best policy experts since I was sixteen. I’ve met with world leaders, top business innovators, and attended most international conferences for years. From my parents I’ve seen different approaches to governing, both the ceremonial aspects of monarchy and its potential for meaningful influence.” His voice grew firmer. “I may be young, but I possess considerably more experience than people might assume.”

She studied him, her expression thoughtful. “It’s clear you have a vision for the future, Your Highness. But if I may be frank, the public isn’t only talking about policies and reforms. They’re talking about you and more specifically, a certain historian who has been seen by your side quite frequently.”

Alexander’s grip on the armrest remained relaxed, but he felt the shift in the air. He had expected this. He had prepared for this. And yet, when it came to Emilia, nothing ever felt scripted.

Eliza leaned forward slightly. “There’s a great deal of speculation about Miss Emilia Carter. People want to know, who is she to you?”

Alexander took a measured breath, keeping his expression composed even as his thoughts spun. He had to be careful here. He had no desire to let the media reduce Emilia to just a headline, a passing rumor. She was more than that. More than what people assumed.

“She’s brilliant,” he said simply.

Eliza arched a brow, waiting.

Alexander continued, his voice steady but sincere. “Miss Carter is one of the most intelligent, dedicated people I’ve ever met. Her work on the historical exhibit has been nothing short of extraordinary. She’s challenged the way we see our own history, she’s made us look at it, rather than just accept what’s been written. That kind of insight, that kind of honesty, it’s rare. And it’s important.”

He paused, choosing his next words carefully. “But more than that, she’s her own person. I’d hate for her to be seen as nothing more than someone connected to me when she’s built an impressive career entirely on her own merit.”

Eliza tilted her head. “So, you’re saying there’s nothing personal there?”

Alexander hesitated just long enough for the pause to say more than his words ever could.

“I’m saying she deserves better than to be defined by speculation about me.” His voice was calm but firm, a quiet insistence that this was not just another palace romance to be dissected for public entertainment. “She’s earned her place in this project because of her talent and dedication not because of who I am.”

Eliza considered his response, her gaze sharp. “That’s a very diplomatic answer, Your Highness.”

Alexander kept his expression even. “It’s the truth.”

The air in the studio felt different now. It was charged with unspoken things hanging between the words. And Alexander knew, without a doubt, that the world would read between the lines.

But if that meant they saw Emilia for who she truly was, not just a rumor, not just a name in a headline, then he had said exactly what he wanted to say.

The interview had already shifted the narrative, Alexander knew that much. But Eliza Monroe wasn’t finished. She leaned in slightly, sensing there was still more to uncover.

“One final question, Your Highness,” she said, her voice measured, deliberate. “For years, the public has seen you as… reserved. A prince who does his duty but doesn’t often reveal himself. And yet, tonight, you’ve been more open than ever before. Why now?”

Alexander exhaled slowly. He could feel the weight of the moment pressing in, the unspoken expectation that he would give something not just a polished answer, but a real one.

“My mother has held the crown in trust for me,” he began, his voice even, “After my father’s death I needed the space to learn the way things are done. But more recently I’ve realized…” He hesitated for a fraction of a second, then continued, his tone stronger. “A title doesn’t make a leader. People do. The choices you make, the people you listen to, the things you fight for, that’s what defines you. And I think it’s time I start making my own choices. But I also think that if I am to be king, then I owe it to the people to speak to them directly.”

Eliza studied him, letting his words settle before offering him a small, knowing smile. “Then I think the people of Caledoniahave a lot to look forward to.”

Alexander returned the smile, though there was something weightier beneath it an unspoken promise, a shift in the very foundation of who he had been expected to be.

The cameras were still rolling, the world was still watching, but for the first time in his life…

He felt free.