Leticia returned to the castle, finding Laurenn waiting for her in her chambers. Worry was evident on his face. She had never been this late on her secret trips to the city. He approached, examining her carefully.
"Leticia, did something happen?" he asked, his voice filled with anxiety.
Leticia shook her head, but Laurenn sensed she was hiding something. Reluctant to worry him based only on assumptions, she decided to mention the encounter with the knight.
"I met a knight in the city. He said he's your friend. 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 morphed 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?"
"It's not that, Leticia. This matter is not up for discussion," Laurenn replied with unusual firmness.
Laurenn's curt response, so unlike his usual gentleness, further piqued Leticia's curiosity. What was he hiding? Why couldn't she choose him?
Laurenn, however, abruptly changed the subject, remembering the real reason for his visit. The next day, he would meet his future bride, the daughter of the chief advisor, 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 just the way you are."
The next day, Laurenn, elegantly dressed, fought against the anxiety that tightened his chest. Leticia approached, adjusted his tie with an encouraging smile, and wished him good luck.
Rachel, the daughter of the royal advisor and Laurenn's future bride, arrived in a luxurious carriage, escorted by a small group of knights. With vibrant red hair, piercing green eyes, and at nineteen years of age, Rachel possessed an innate elegance, dressing with a sophistication that often exceeded her status.
Upon receiving her, Laurenn, with a display of courtesy, offered the escorting knights comfortable lodgings within the castle, acknowledging the long journey they had endured. The knights, impressed by the prince's consideration, exchanged approving glances.
Rachel, in turn, approached Laurenn with a charming smile. He bowed and gently kissed her hand.
"Your Highness, it is a pleasure to finally meet you," Rachel said in a soft voice.
"The honor is mine 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 is 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, which, miraculously, did not freeze even during winter. The landscape was breathtaking, 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 intensely. She moved in for a kiss, but Laurenn, surprised and visibly blushing, gently placed his hand over her lips, stopping her.
"There's no need to rush," he said kindly. "We'll have time to get to know each other better. You must be tired from your journey."
And, solicitously, he placed his coat over her shoulders.
"Can it be true that he's never had a girlfriend?" Rachel wondered, intrigued.
"Don't worry about anything," Laurenn added, holding her hands affectionately. "I'm 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 considerate to everyone, a true gentleman.
"Is all this pretense, or is he really like this?" she thought, suspicious. "I need to test this kindness."