The sun cast a golden glow over the Hawthorn Empire as Albert Kennedy, the legendary knight, was to return back to the empire after achieving victory over his battle..

Just as the siblings started descending downstairs—

One of the servants: *glances at Prince Leo, shifted gaze and looks up at April* “Prince and Princess..” *bow slightly*

Vale: Pardon me, your highness.. but.. *glances at April* the Queen has refused to let the princess out while the knights are still outside and the public is honouring them..

The Queen’s cold tone echoed,, She approached in her heavy gown..

Leo reluctantly released April’s hand, and walked away while sulking.. whispering “witch! A total witch!”

The servants watched with pity as the princess ran upstairs with quivering lips.. confusion etched on their faces, they hesitated for a moment before returning back to their duties

The crowds cheered more and more outside..

He was talking to other knights, and the King.. beside stands the Queen, his hands animated as he speaks.. his uniform perfectly fitting him..

He suddenly tilted his hand, and looked towards the window..

His eyes happened to glance up, catching the sight of glittering bracelet and the hand that wears it. His eyes then lifted higher, meeting her soft gaze through the window..

—

Albert Kennedy watched as the princess blew him a kiss, he catches her kiss in his hand and presses it to his lips..

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The message reads: “My dearest princess, As the moon rises high in the midnight sky, I'll be thinking of you, and the night we will meet.. I've never seen a beauty like yours, and I've been searching for a way to see you shine brighter than any star. Tonight, under the stars, I beg of you, wear the dark navy blue dress that I gifted on your 18th birthday. The one that makes your eyes sparkle like the night sky. I'll be the one in the shadows, watching, waiting, and wishing I could be by your side and have the first dance. Come, my love, let me see you in that dress, and I'll show you what a night of secrets and dreams can be. Yours always, Albert Kennedy.”

….

The ballroom is filled with chatter and laughter as the nobility gather to celebrate the victory and Albert’s bravery. When, she descended the staircase, her dark navy blue gown shimmering under the light. Several heads turn to look at her, whispering among themselves about the beautiful princess.

Albert was standing with some of the other knights near the buffet table, looking handsome in his formal attire. He's talking and laughing with them, but his eyes keep drifting towards the staircase where she was descending. When he finally sees her in her gown…

He takes in the way her gown shimmers under the light, on her fair skin, how her dark hair is pulled back with few strands hanging loose, how her light makeup makes her eyes look bigger and her lips look fuller. He swallows hard.

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