Kaelan closed his mouth. Although he wanted to explain himself, he understood that his father wasn't finished speaking.
"You can take a commoner as your consort if that's what you want. I'm not against it. After all, I took a commoner as my consort in the past as well. I understand that feelings aren't something you can always control, and I don't intend to force you to abandon someone simply because she doesn't come from a noble family."
Alexander's tone was reasonable, almost gentle. But the words that followed made it clear that he wasn't offering Kaelan complete freedom.
"However, you must remember that you're an imperial prince. You cannot make a commoner your chief consort. That position must belong to a woman from a high-ranking noble family."
Kaelan lowered his eyes slightly.
