“Absolutely,” he said. “That's one of those unfortunate realities to our world that while it might seem foolish, others will judge you by it, and most of us had it conditioned into us from the second we could walk on our own. It will take a little time, and it is important, but that's not what I meant.” Charles looked up at the young princess and smiled. “It's not a questions I can ever answer for you either. But I can tell you what is more important to me...”
He lowered his voice, shifted his eyes slightly to be sure none of his guard or servants were near to overhear as it was not appropriate for their ears. “The moments I hold most dear to me are those when I have the chance to set aside the title for a moment. To shed the crown and the jewels and spend some quiet moments with Ananya where neither of us have to be bothered by the constant stream of responsibility that come with being King and Queen, even for just a few hours.” Charles smiled softly and picked up a piece of fruit. He took a very small bite, chewing, but obviously not done with his thought.
“I look forward to those moments when I can be just her husband, and -fate willing, some day Ananya and I will have children I shall have to make time to be father to. All of which means far more to me than any riches, petitions or expansion of property.” He shrugged. “I want the people of Caldea to be safe and happy as well, and that is my primary responsibility. But, the things that matter most to me make me happy at the core and that trickles down to the people.”