Alexandre

The tranquility of the ocean provided a rare moment of rest in the midst of all the hustle and bustle of royalty. The sea breeze was invigorating and the landscape stunning, but my mind was still shrouded in the story of the novel I was reading.

Nicolau entered my box on the ship, and as soon as he saw me absorbed in reading, he waited a moment to get my attention.

"Your Highness, I'm sorry to interrupt you, but I need to deal with an important issue," he said respectfully.

I closed the book and put it aside, turning all my attention to the commander of my Guard. Nicolau has always been loyal and diligent, so any matter he brought should be treated seriously.

"What happened, Nicolau? Is there a problem with the Guard?" I asked, worried.

He shook his head, indicating that it was nothing related to security or the Guard.

"It's the Duke, sir. He is upset that Your Highness refused to attend the video call meeting with the king, his father," Nicholas explained.

I sighed, already waiting for it. My father, the king, has always had high expectations for my role as prince and heir to the throne. However, in recent times, I had been less inclined to follow the traditional royal protocols and preferred to have a little time for myself, away from the pressures of the court.

"I didn't feel willing to attend the meeting at the moment. Nicolau, please explain to the Duke that it's nothing personal. I just needed a little space," I asked, keeping calm.

Nicolau nodded and made a brief note in his notebook.

"I Understand, Your Highness. I will talk to the Duke immediately," he assured.

I thanked the commander for his understanding and he left my box to resolve the matter. Meanwhile, I picked up the book again and tried to focus on reading again. However, my mind wandered between the pages and the situation with my father. Even though I wanted a little freedom, I knew that, as a prince, I would have to face several responsibilities and difficult decisions.

Sighing once again, I kept the book and got up to take a walk on the deck of the ship.

As I walked along the deck of the ship, seeking a moment of reflection and tranquility, a young woman approached me. She introduced herself as Isabela, her eyes shining with confidence and a suggestive smile on her lips. Even if I wasn't in the mood for conversations or flirting, she seemed determined to get my attention.

"Prince Alexander, what an honor to meet you on this beautiful ship," she said, in a sweet and seductive voice.

I greeted her with a brief nod, trying to be polite, but making it clear that I was not interested in a deeper conversation.

"It's my pleasure, Miss Isabela," I replied, trying to maintain a reserved posture.

However, Isabela didn't seem to care about my lack of enthusiasm. She continued to get closer and, with a provocative smile, said:

"What do you think about taking a walk across the deck together, Your Highness? The night is so nice and it would be a shame to waste it."

I felt uncomfortable with her insistence, but I didn't want to be rude. After all, she was just a passenger on the ship, and I needed to keep my real composure.

"Sorry, Miss Isabela, but I'm here for a moment of peace and reflection," I explained kindly. "If you'll excuse me, I'll continue my tour."

I tried to move away politely, but she seemed determined not to give up.

"Oh, it doesn't have to be so formal, prince. After all, we're all here to have fun and enjoy the trip, aren't we?" She insisted, trying to convince me to stay.

I took a deep breath, trying to keep calm and patience in the face of her persistence.

"I understand your point of view, Miss Isabela, but I believe we need to respect the personal moments of others. I appreciate the kindness of your offer, but I prefer to go on alone for now," I replied, hoping that my words would be clear enough.

Finally, she seemed to get the message, but still cast one last provocative look before moving away.

"As you wish, prince. If you change your mind, I'll be around," she said, leaving an air of mystery in her words.

As soon as she walked away, I continued my walk down the deck, thanking her for finally having a moment of tranquility again.

As I continued my walk through the deck of the ship, I realized that it was not so easy to find a quiet moment as I expected. Everyone seemed to want to approach me and talk to me, because I was the prince. I understand that many people felt honored to know me and exchange a few words, but there were times when I simply wanted to be a normal boy, free from the expectations and obligations that came with the real title.

While smiling and responding to the polite greetings of the passengers, a part of me longed for a more casual interaction, where I was not seen as a prince, but only as an ordinary young man. I had the desire to share genuine moments with others, without the constant concern with my real role.

While observing the ocean from a distance, I allowed myself to imagine what my life would be like if I were not a prince. Maybe I could travel freely, meet new people without the pressure of formalities, and enjoy quiet and private moments without the constant attention of others. I felt a mixture of curiosity and nostalgia for this kind of life that I had never experienced.

However, I also recognized the importance of my role as a prince. My kingdom depended on me to make important decisions, represent it with dignity and be a just leader for my people. This responsibility has always been an intrinsic part of who I was, and I took it seriously.

I took a deep breath, letting the conflicting thoughts dissipate. I knew I couldn't change my real position, but I could find a balance between my obligations and my personal desires. Perhaps, throughout the trip, he would find moments to be just a young man who appreciated the simple pleasures of life, even if they were brief and rare.

With this resolution, I rejoined the other passengers, returning smiles and greetings, committed to being the prince my kingdom needed, but also open to moments of humanity and genuine connection. After all, being a prince didn't stop me from having aspirations, desires and dreams like anyone else.