After completing her daily routine, Letícia returned to her chambers, where her ladies-in-waiting awaited her with a surprise. On a table rested a beautiful box, adorned with elaborate ribbons and marked with the crest of the Autumn Kingdom: a fall leaf encircled by a dragon. Curious, Letícia was preparing to open the gift when the excited ladies suggested they do it together.
Inside the box lay a dazzling gown in a shimmering shade of blue, decorated with crystals that resembled shards of ice. The fabric was fine and luxurious, with a finish that reflected the skill of the renowned designers of the Autumn Kingdom, famous for the quality of their cotton and the beauty of their creations. The ladies-in-waiting sighed in admiration, recognizing the excellence of the gift.
Letícia, too, found the dress stunning, but a subtle unease stirred within her, bringing a vague discomfort in the face of such a lavish gift.
"Is something troubling you, Princess Letícia?" one of the ladies asked.
"The dress is enchanting. But… why would the Prince of Autumn send me such a gift?" Letícia touched the delicate fabric, lost in thought.
"Oh, he's courting you, isn't he? It's only natural for a suitor to show his affection."
Letícia gazed at the dress, genuinely surprised. She had known since childhood about her betrothal to Prince Ryuuji—a pact between the kingdoms. However, this was the first personal gesture she had ever received from him. The ladies continued to admire the gown, gently tracing the embroidery with reverent fingers.
Suddenly, a gasp of surprise. Upon examining the box more closely, they discovered a letter nestled among the folds of the fabric. One of the ladies, beaming with excitement, handed it to Letícia.
"Princess, a letter for Your Highness!" she announced, delighted.
Letícia's initial surprise turned into sudden hesitation. She stared at the envelope, her expression a mix of curiosity and apprehension.
"I'm not in the mood to read it now," she replied, looking away.
"If Your Highness permits, we could read it for you," another lady offered, eager to unravel the mystery.
"Wait…" Letícia said, her voice now laced with a curiosity she could no longer hide. "I'll read it myself."
With trembling fingers, she broke the seal and unfolded the paper. Silence deepened in the room, and all eyes turned to her, eager to glimpse her reaction.
"The autumn leaves rest upon lovely snow crystals, thus our hearts prepare to bloom with a love that shall endure every season."
A thoughtful hush followed the reading. The poetic words of Prince Ryuuji echoed in Letícia's mind, heavy with a meaning she could not yet fully grasp.
"Such enchanting words, Princess!" one of the ladies exclaimed, her eyes gleaming with admiration. "He sounds so poetic in the letter!"
"Perhaps the King will announce the wedding soon!" another commented, thrilled.
That last remark struck Letícia like a jolt of reality. Wedding. The word echoed in her ears, heavy with unexpected weight.
Once the ladies had left, the princess was alone with her thoughts and the growing apprehension tightening in her chest. She went to a small chest hidden beneath her bed and pulled out a notebook with a faded leather cover. Opening it carefully, she revealed pages filled with delicate handwriting and began to read, her eyes scanning the lines with deep concern. The notebook had belonged to her mother, Queen Elyza—a precious legacy and, perhaps now, a source of answers to her rising unease.
Elyza had been a wise and beloved ruler, responsible for the golden age of the Winter Kingdom. Her administrative prowess, the result of rigorous training that coincided with that of King Ryuuichi of Autumn—Ryuuji's father—had ensured prosperity and enduring alliances. The bond forged between the two monarchs during their studies had sealed the destiny of their children, culminating in Letícia's engagement to Prince Ryuuji. But two years earlier, the queen's health had begun to decline until the light of her life faded, leaving the kingdom in mourning. Her husband, King Hayden, had taken the throne, but his rule had proven disastrous. Lacking Elyza's political acumen and tact, Hayden had lost key economic allies, plunging the Winter Kingdom into deep crisis.
Letícia's eyes moved over her mother's notes—a blend of practical advice for the future and personal reflections. Most of the instructions seemed scattered, remnants of a life devoted to the realm. But a few stood out to the princess, carrying a deeper, more urgent weight. One, in particular, disturbed her: "Beware the Royal Knights. Find a warrior with no ties, whose loyalty lies only with you." The cryptic warning echoed in her mind. Why would her mother urge her to distrust those sworn to protect her? What hidden threat warranted such a caution? Letícia didn't know—but the gravity of Elyza's words, written with a hand weakened by illness, was undeniable. She would treasure that advice as an amulet, a silent promise to her mother's memory.
The next morning, in the dining hall, King Hayden, Letícia, and Prince Laurenn gathered for breakfast. The atmosphere, however, was far from peaceful.
The king's deep voice broke the silence, bringing to the surface the subject that loomed like a dark cloud over them all: Letícia's marriage.
"Letícia, current circumstances require sacrifice. This marriage is necessary for the kingdom's stability. Defying such a powerful realm would bring disastrous consequences upon our people."
Letícia, her composure flawless though hiding an inner storm, replied:
"I understand, Your Majesty. If it's for the good of the kingdom, I will accept."
Her apparent resignation sparked a flare of indignation in Laurenn. He, too, was facing a similar fate—forced to marry the daughter of the chief royal advisor to strengthen political bonds.
Laurenn, a 21-year-old with dark brown hair and vibrant green eyes inherited from their father, felt the injustice of the situation more strongly than ever. The idea of his sister being subjected to the same fate was unbearable.
"You can't do this, Letícia!" he exclaimed, his voice thick with anguish. "You deserve to marry for love, not out of duty!"
His protest was swiftly silenced by King Hayden's icy tone.
"You do not have a say in this."
"But… Letícia deserves a different path!" Laurenn pressed, frustration rising in his voice.
"There is no difference! Your sister accepted willingly. Don't make things harder for her."
Defeated, Laurenn lowered his head.
"As you wish, Your Majesty."
Despite his many talents—diplomacy, strategic intelligence, swordsmanship—Laurenn shrank in the presence of King Hayden. All his confidence and eloquence drained away, leaving him subject to the king's iron will.
As soon as they left the dining hall, Laurenn grabbed Letícia's arm, stopping her in the corridor. His eyes reflected deep concern.
"Letícia, tell me the truth. Are you really at peace with this marriage?"
Letícia sighed, but there was a trace of determination in her eyes.
"The kingdom's safety matters more than my personal desires. Besides, this arrangement was made by our mother. I would not go against one of her decisions."
"But… the Autumn Kingdom has many enemies. I don't want you to become a target. I worry about your safety."
A spark of resolve lit up in Letícia's gaze.
"Don't worry about me. I've trained well—I can defend myself. And I intend to find a knight I trust completely to protect me."
Laurenn frowned, skeptical.
"I know your skills, Letícia. But finding a truly loyal knight… is harder than you think. Would you like me to recommend someone from my personal guard?"
"I appreciate the offer, brother. But I'd rather choose someone on my own."
With an enigmatic smile, Letícia bid Laurenn farewell, claiming she had many tasks to tend to. But Laurenn knew her well. He knew it was her day off—and exactly where she was headed.
Back in her room, Letícia summoned Dagmar, her most trusted attendant, and dismissed the others. She asked for simple clothes, garments that wouldn't identify her as royalty, and Dagmar promptly complied, well accustomed to the ritual. The attendant would cover for the princess's absence, as she always did. Letícia then slipped through the secret passage behind the bookshelf, leaving the palace and entering the labyrinth of tunnels that would take her beyond the castle walls.