Dozens of meters below the dome ceiling, the chatter of three young individuals resonated clearly, though faintly. The light in the hall, akin to the soft glow of dusk, painted a shimmering golden filter over their forms.
"Carlen, I am truly sorry. I still want to be with Sophia."
Prince Aynor finally gathered the courage to apologize sincerely to Carlen.
With his head lowered, he didn't quite resemble a prince.
Carlen's widened eyes conveyed disbelief at Aynor's sudden change of heart.
She then shrank back lightly, letting out a somewhat relieved chuckle.
"I knew it... Prince Aynor must not think very highly of me."
Carlen's voice wavered, and although she was visibly hurt, she forced herself to smile as she spoke through her tears,
"I'm a modest girl of humble means. Without good fortune, I would never even have had a chance to meet someone as prestigious as you."
"No, that's not true at all."
