Caelan went back to his room a bit later, slightly bored. He was tired of the kingdom always wanting his opinion on everything and always expecting him to suddenly show up and promise they were going to live a utopian future. He sighed, accidentally falling asleep while sitting at his desk

Caelan didn't wake until morning, his clothes uncomfortable as well as the wood desk he was resting his head on. "What the..." He muttered, looking around. He sighed, remembering where Adele was and changed into clothes for the day. He walked downstairs and attended breakfast with his mother silently before going to the stables and taking out Aurora into the woods. He eventually decided he would need to address his kingdom soon on the inter-kingdom news channel. Thankfully, he had a reason rather than just to say hello. He rode at a slow pace back to the kingdom before leaving Aurora to the grooms and changed into something more diplomatic--A sort of royal suit and tie along with his crow and ran his hand through his hair before giving up. Caelan walked out, his mother looking at him from across the hall with ice-eyes while he strode off. He walked to the town and scheduled an announcement for an hour away,making sure all the news channels were there as well as saying hello to multiple people along the street and in town. A little boy about 4 years old ran up to him and wrapped his arms around Caelan's leg. Caelan smiled softly and tousled the little boy's hair. "Hello. What's your name?" He asked softly. "Jake!" The kid exclaimed, beaming. Jake's mother came running over. "I'm so very sorry, your majesty. C'mon, son, leave the king alone." The woman ordered firmly. "He's alright. Lovely child. You're doing a great job." Caelan said softly to the woman, placing a hand on the woman's shoulder in a touch of reassurance. It was 5 minutes until the speech was to be given, so Caelan looked down at Jake. "I gotta talk on that stage over there, see?" He said, pointing. "But I can come find you and show you my horse afterwards if your mom is okay with it, alright?" Caelan offered, Jake nodding excitedlybefore dropping his arms and his mother thanking Caelan. "Of course" Caelan said with a smile, walking toward the stage. He cleared his throat, beginning his speech. "Good morning, everyone. As you all know, I am King Caelan Thorne and the leader of this kingdom. I wanted to inform all suitors that may have thought they had a chance that I am very much taken and set in who I'm going to marry. I don't need permission, I don't need approval, but I do need acceptance. I'm asking all of you to please respect my decision and not pursue me. Any breaking of this request is subject to consequences. Thank you so much and have an amazing day." Caelan said, concluding. He sighed after getting off the stage and went to find Jake and his mother. Once he found them, he led them to the royal stables and let Jake sit on Aurora's back. Jake was mesmerized, his eyes wide with awe and curiosity as Caelan explained the tack to him and the guard horses' armor. "This part goes over their neck, see?" Caelan said, watching as Jake felt the armor plates. "Wow..." Jake breathed, beaming with joy. "Oh, we should probably get going. Thank you, your majesty." Jake's mother said, Jake slightly squirmy in her arms. "Of course. If you ever need anything, just ask." He said, nodding politely as she walked away. Caelan sighed, satisfied, and walked back to his room to change

Caelan grabbed his sketchbook after changing, remembering what Adele looked like, running along the beach with such a smile on her face. Before he recognized it, he was sketching her. The way her body moved with each step, the way her eyes glittered with joy, her smile, he even found himself thinking of her laugh once he finished. He glanced at the clock and it told him it had been almost three hours of him just sitting there, sketching. He chuckled to himself, amazed he got so lost in the moment. I wish I could see her. He thought, setting the sketchbook down while leaving it open. He called over a messenger. "Send word to Princess Adeleide I'd like to come and see her at her approval." Caelan instructed, the messenger nodding and taking off

Caelan paced his room, avoiding his mother's continuous tirade since he had yelled at her that morning after the speech. She had cursed at him and struck him a few times before Caelan yelled at her to stop. She was now furious and unable to stop yelling at Caelan whenever she saw him. He'd apologized multiple times but the damage had been done

Caelan got word she waas on her way and became ecstatic but still terrified of his mother. he paced, worried. Meanwhile, a guard followed the princess and her horse through the woods. Once they got across the borderline, he grabbed her and dragged her off her horse. "Call for help and you die." He threatened, pulling her to her feet. "By order of the rulers" He added after he hefted her up. "Walk" He snapped, shoving her forward but keeping a tight hand on her arm. He walked with her all the way to the Night Kingdom, a dagger in his free hand the entire time. "Their majesties would like to see you" He informed her, tossing her into a dungeon cell. "They'll be down shortly". A few hours went by before Caelan's mother walked to Adele's cell. "Tragic, isn't it? The way he decepted you, fooled you into thinking he loved you. He just wanted access to your kingdom, silly girl. And your heart." The woman said with an evil smile. She stalked closer, looking at Adele with clear distaste. "He will see you soon and laugh at such a horrifying sight such as yourself." The woman strode away with a low laugh that chilled bones.

~
Caelan was later informed there was a prisoner downstairs and was instructed to see her. He walked down the stairs alongside his mother, unaware of what was about to happen. "You'll be pleased to know she was caught, your majesty" A guard said to Caelan. Caelan was silent and didn't react, just walked to the cell. He gasped when he saw Adele. "Why is she here?!" He exclaimed,turning to his mother and getting within inches of her. "What did you do?!" He roared, furious.