Leticia returned to the castle, finding Laurenn waiting for her in her chambers. The worry was evident on his face. She had never been so late from her secret outings in the city. He approached, examining her closely.
"Leticia, did something happen?" he asked, his voice heavy with anxiety.
Leticia shook her head, but Laurenn sensed she was hiding something. Reluctant to worry him based merely on hypotheticals, she decided to mention the encounter with the knight.
"I met a knight in the city, he said he's a friend of yours. It seems he was born in the Autumn Kingdom. His name is Aleph."
Laurenn frowned, thoughtful.
"I don't recall any knight from the Autumn Kingdom with that name."
Leticia described Aleph's physical appearance. Laurenn's surprise turned into hesitant recognition.
"Ah... yes, I remember him now," he said, avoiding Leticia's gaze. "But he cannot be your knight."
"Why?" Leticia asked, suspicious. "Have you already recruited him?"
"That's not it, Leticia. This matter is not up for discussion," Laurenn replied with unusual firmness.
Laurenn's curt reply, so different from his usual gentleness, piqued Leticia's curiosity even more. What was he hiding? Why can't I choose him?
Laurenn, however, changed the subject abruptly, remembering the real reason for his visit. The next day, he would meet his future bride, the daughter of the head of the counselors, and apprehension consumed him.
"Leticia," he began, hesitantly. "I don't know how to act. Should I be romantic? Distant? What does a woman expect on a first meeting?"
Leticia smiled, touched by her brother's insecurity.
"Just be yourself, Laurenn. I'm sure she'll like you exactly as you are."
The next day, Laurenn, elegantly dressed, fought against the anxiety that tightened his chest. Leticia approached, straightened his tie with an encouraging smile, and wished him good luck.
Rachel, the daughter of the royal counselor and Laurenn's future bride, arrived in a luxurious carriage, escorted by a small group of knights. At 19 years old, with vibrant red hair and piercing green eyes, Rachel possessed an innate elegance, dressing with a sophistication that often exceeded her status.
Upon receiving her, Laurenn, in a display of courtesy, directed the escorting knights to comfortable lodgings within the castle, acknowledging the long journey they had faced. The knights, impressed by the prince's consideration, exchanged looks of approval.
Rachel, in turn, approached Laurenn with a charming smile. He bowed and delicately kissed her hand.
"Your Highness, it is a pleasure to finally meet you," Rachel said in a soft voice.
"The honor is all mine to be able to meet you," Laurenn replied, genuinely charmed.
After being received by the ladies-in-waiting and resting from her journey, Rachel accompanied Laurenn to the castle gardens. As they walked, she observed the prince's features. His athletic build contrasted with the studious and intellectual air he exuded.
"He's even more handsome than I imagined," Rachel thought. "Perhaps this marriage won't be so bad after all."
They arrived at a gazebo overlooking a crystal-clear lake that, miraculously, never froze even during the winter. The scenery was stunning, one of Laurenn's favorite places in the castle.
He started a conversation, asking about her favorite books and authors. Suddenly, Rachel leaned in, placing her hand on Laurenn's chest and gazing at him with an intense look. She moved closer for a kiss, but Laurenn, surprised and visibly blushing, gently placed his hand over her lips, stopping her.
"You don't need to rush," he said kindly. "We will have time to get to know each other better. You must be tired from your journey."
And, thoughtfully, he placed his coat over her shoulders.
"Is it true that he's never had a girlfriend?" Rachel wondered, intrigued.
"Don't worry about a thing," Laurenn added, holding her hands gently. "I am here to take care of you."
"Your words comfort me," Rachel replied, an enigmatic smile on her lips.
Throughout the day, Rachel observed Laurenn's interaction with the castle staff. He was kind and attentive to everyone, a true gentleman.
"Is this all an act, or is he really like this?" she thought, suspicious. "I need to test all this kindness."