In the verdant country of Philippeldephia, where grand estates and majestic mansions dotted the landscape, there lived a renowned and wealthy couple: Duke Castel De Lolce, a distinguished scientist, and Duchess Aerwyna De Lolce, an acclaimed chef and patissier. Their story, however, began long before they resided in their opulent home.
Aerwyna, the second daughter and princess of the land of Cortesia, hailed from the esteemed Emmanuel family. With her golden-brown hair and blue eyes as radiant as the shimmering ocean, she was not only strikingly beautiful but also intelligent, compassionate, and deeply committed to the welfare of animals and nature. Her cheerful demeanor and pure heart were matched by her love for cooking and baking, with chocolate being her favorite indulgence. Red roses, symbolizing love, were her utmost delight.
Duke Castel, on the other hand, was a man of contrasts. With his fiery red hair and green eyes reminiscent of emeralds, he came from the prominent and influential De Lolce family. A prodigy, he had mastered a multitude of skills from a young age, including playing various instruments, reading, writing, and conducting scientific experiments. Despite his kindness, he had a reserved and somewhat grumpy demeanor, with a formidable intellect and a deep appreciation for coffee, which he relied on to calm his nerves and enhance his mental clarity.
Their paths crossed when Castel traveled to Cortesia on business. At the tender age of seven, he had assumed the title of Duke and inherited his family's vast estate after the untimely death of his father. His brilliance and exceptional abilities had ensured that no one challenged his position, despite his youth.
One day, during his visit, Castel found himself at "Addelaide's Café," a renowned coffee shop in Cortesia, for a meeting with a business associate. After three hours of intense discussion, he concluded the meeting with Mr. Rufard, extending his hand in gratitude.
"Thank you for forming an alliance with us, Mr. Rufard," Castel said, his voice calm and measured.
Mr. Rufard shook his hand with a smile and then departed, leaving Castel alone at the table. As Castel prepared to leave, something unusual caught his attention outside the window—a woman running down the street, seemingly in distress. Castel's curiosity was piqued.
*What could be happening out there?* he wondered.
To his surprise, several guards and attendants were in pursuit of the woman. Castel's initial assumption seemed to be wrong. Was the woman a criminal, or did she need help? He quickly exited the café, his instincts urging him to investigate.
As he stepped outside, a small, white puppy with curly fur suddenly leaped onto him. Startled, Castel instinctively cradled the puppy in his arms. It became clear that the woman had been chasing after her lost dog.
"You're dressed in such fine attire with plenty of jewelry," Castel observed, noting the woman's breathlessness and her elaborate gown adorned with pink roses and butterflies. "So, your owner must be quite extraordinary."
The woman, panting heavily, finally reached him. "I'm sorry if my dog jumped on you," she said, her voice soft and apologetic. "That's just how he is when he feels comfortable with someone. Um, Sir? Could you please give me Priscilla?"
Castel glanced down at the puppy in his arms. "So, your name is Priscilla," he said, a rare smile gracing his lips.
Seeing Castel's smile, the woman's cheeks flushed slightly, and she clutched her chest, her heart racing uncontrollably. *Why is my heart beating so fast in his presence?* she wondered, feeling an unfamiliar flutter.
Just then, the shouts of the pursuers reached their ears. "Your Highness, don't run, Princess!" one of the guards called out, their voices tinged with panic.
Castel's eyes narrowed slightly. *So, this woman is no ordinary person. She must be the Princess of this country.*
"Alright, Princess," he said, extending the puppy toward her. "I'll return your beloved Priscilla to you."
As the woman reached out to take the puppy, a few raindrops began to fall, quickly turning into a downpour. She looked up at the sky, muttering to herself, "What now? I don't have an umbrella." Her voice was tinged with worry, knowing her father would not be pleased if she caught a cold from the rain.
Without hesitation, Castel gently took her hand. "Let's go inside the café until the rain stops," he suggested, his voice firm yet kind.
The woman's cheeks turned even redder, and she nodded, her voice barely a whisper. "O-okay."
Together, they hurried back inside the café, sheltering from the rain that now poured down in earnest. As the guards and attendants neared, the sudden rain caused a collision between two carriages nearby, halting their progress.
"Hey! Watch where you're going!" the coachman of one carriage shouted angrily.
One of the attendants fretted, "What will we do now? If anything happens to the Princess, we'll face the King's wrath."
"Yes, indeed!" another attendant agreed, anxiety etched on their faces.
A guard spoke up, his voice authoritative. "With the rain and the accident, we should seek temporary shelter at Aton's Vulcanizing Shop." He pointed in the direction of the shop. "Once the rain stops, we'll head straight to the Princess."
The servants and protectors of the Princess nodded in agreement, huddling under the awning of the shop as they awaited clearer skies.
Inside the café, Castel and the Princess sat across from each other, the atmosphere between them charged with unspoken words. The rain drummed steadily against the windows, creating a rhythm that matched the rapid beating of their hearts.
"Thank you," the Princess finally said, breaking the silence. Her voice was soft, almost shy. "For helping me with Priscilla and for bringing me inside."
Castel nodded, his expression unreadable. "It was nothing," he replied, his tone more reserved. "Anyone would have done the same."
The Princess smiled, her heart still racing. She was certain now that this man, with his fiery red hair and piercing green eyes, was unlike anyone she had ever met. And as they sat there, waiting for the rain to stop, she couldn't shake the feeling that their fates had become intertwined in a way neither of them could yet fully comprehend.