
He was young and unguided in his emotions. The adults around him were more concerned with politics than the child per si.
It's not strange for him to desire love from people, mostly when he sees other families portraying what he most whises for.
And although he is the Crown Prince, and he is older, he is still young. And worst, he is at an age where the need for belonging is even more enhanced compared to when he was a child.
Children has the need of love and care, but teenagers has the need of belonging and "finding" their own identity. Clearly, for the Prince, being a loved person is of extreme importance for his own identity.
And as many young people with lots of power and low emotional intelligence and guidance, the way he acquires things are through manipulation and force.
I understand where his behavior comes from. And I pity him.
But I cannot accept and concur with him. Grow up.

I saw a lot of people saying they don't like the ML because he wants to be the Prince Charming but she is a strong FL who doesn't need him, or because he is too "entitled".
Honestly, I just think it's a misunderstanding. I don't think he wants to help her in terms of her job, I mean, he trusts her enough to be with her in a room with a bomb and wait for her to disarm it. I just think he wants to help her feel less lonely and present in her life. Like, he noticed that her job, whatever it is, makes her feel lonely and put a wall around her.
Regarding him "feeling entitled" or whatever well... He is handsome, he is one of the best in his field, he is rich, he is intelligent enough to get where he got in life... My point being: I don't think he is overbearing, I just think he is self-confident and this annoys people. LOL
He might be a bit pushy regarding her, but it is kind of his charm since he seems genuinely interested in her.
There, my humble unsolicited, opinion. Haha

...just kill him right there?
The next in line will not want to start his/her rein in war. Mostly if this means losing the possibility of creating a good relationship with the best magic wielder out there. ♀
She can just claim that she was defending her honor and holy vows and have the backup of the Priest and the Empire.

The main char was a weakling with low self-esteem and suddenly he became self-confident and strong headed. There wasn't a development of the char. He didn't build up his strength and skills slowly. In his first Dungeon he just popped out of there fine when a lot of people was dying and getting hurt. It just went from 0 to 100 in a few chapters. It's just weird.
Guys... 2/3 of the drama wouldn't have happened if they just did therapy. Seriously... the only thing they'd have to do is deal with the actual villain. ╮( ̄▽ ̄)╭
Take this lesson to your life: do therapy. ( ̄∇ ̄")