Prince Cas always got into trouble. His antics were legendary within the kingdom, but his latest stunt crossed a line that even he hadn't anticipated. But Cas wasn't distressed; he found amusement in ruffling his father's feathers.

His father, King Alaric, was always harsh on Cas. He believed that the kingdom needed a strong leader, and in his eyes, Cas was anything but that. But this time, his son's actions had left him truly furious.

After sending Cas away, King Alaric paced in his study. He questioned his parenting, wondering what he could've possibly done wrong to have such a rebellious son. Maybe a wife would be the answer.

Meanwhile, Cas was fuming in his chambers. Why couldn't his father understand his need for his love and acceptance? His thoughts were interrupted by a royal servant bearing an invitation to a masquerade ball.

An idea sparked in King Alaric's mind. A masquerade ball, where all eligible princesses would have to guess which masked man was his son, Cas. Whoever guessed correctly would be his son's bride.

Cas was appalled. The idea of marriage repulsed him, but the idea of a game intrigued him. Besides, a party would be a welcome distraction from his current predicament.

The night of the ball arrived. The castle was a riot of colors and music. Cas, wearing a mask, was dancing with every princess, his eyes scanning the room for anyone interesting.

In the myriad of colors, a figure dressed in black caught his eye. A princess that he hadn't danced with. There was something intriguing about her, and he found himself drawn to her.

He approached her and asked for a dance. As they moved to the music, something sparked between them. It was more than just a dance; it felt like a connection, an understanding.

She introduced herself as Miri. Cas found himself captivated by her smile, her grace, and her wit. For the first time in his life, he was falling in love.

And surprisingly, Miri fell for him too. Despite the mask, she saw something genuine in Cas, something raw and vulnerable. She guessed correctly that the mysterious prince was Cas.

The ball ended with Miri being announced as the winner of the game. Cas felt a strange mix of happiness and apprehension. He was glad Miri won, but he was also unsure about the future.

King Alaric was elated. He thought his plan had worked perfectly. Little did he know that his son had actually fallen in love with the winner. He eagerly welcomed Miri into the royal family.

The next day, Cas confided in Miri about his reluctance towards marriage. Miri, instead of being taken aback, smiled at him. She told him that she was not interested in a marriage of convenience either.

Miri suggested that they should try to change King Alaric's mind. She believed that if they showed the king that they were capable and responsible, he might reconsider his decision.

Together, Cas and Miri set about proving themselves to the king. They attended council meetings, helped resolve disputes, and even started working on improving the kingdom’s infrastructure and laws.

Over time, King Alaric began to see a change in his son. Cas was more responsible, more involved, and seemed happier. Similarly, he also saw Miri's dedication and hard work.

One day, Cas and Miri approached King Alaric. They spoke of their plans, their vision for the kingdom, and their desire to not be bound by marriage, but by their shared ambition.

King Alaric was stunned. He had never seen his son so passionate, so driven. Looking at Cas and Miri, he realized that he had possibly been wrong about Cas all along.

King Alaric agreed to their proposal. He realized that forcing them into a marriage would not serve any purpose. It was their shared love and dedication towards their kingdom that would bring prosperity.

Cas and Miri were overjoyed. They thanked King Alaric for his understanding and promised to serve their kingdom to the best of their abilities. The kingdom celebrated their victory.

With a new resolution, Cas and Miri put their plans into action. The kingdom thrived under their leadership. They became revered leaders and their relationship strengthened over time.

In the end, love prevailed, but not in the traditional sense. It was Cas and Miri's love for their kingdom that shaped their destiny. And King Alaric was proud, more than anything else.

Cas realized that love doesn't always have to be conventional. He found it in his partnership with Miri and in their combined effort to serve their kingdom. His unconventional love story became a legend.

They say that the masquerade ball that brought Cas and Miri together is still celebrated in the kingdom. Not as a game of guessing and marriage. But as a celebration of love in its unique form.