Over the course of the next six months, Prince Alfonso and Maria embarked on a journey of discovery, both about each other and about themselves.
Theirs was not a typical courtship but rather a genuine attempt to understand the person behind the titles and the royal façade.
They often met in the quiet corners of the palace gardens, away from prying eyes and the pressures of royalty.
These stolen moments allowed them to converse freely, discussing their dreams, fears, and the world they hoped to build together.
Maria's inquisitive mind fascinated Alfonso, who had always been surrounded by advisors and ministers.
She asked questions about governance, the lives of ordinary people, and the intricate workings of the kingdom. Her deep concern for the welfare of the nation resonated with Alfonso's own sense of duty.
