Laurenn, despite the arranged marriage, harbored a sincere desire to build a genuine relationship with Rachel, a connection that could blossom into true love. He yearned to experience passion, to share his life with someone who loved and accepted him for who he was.
After Laurenn's rejection, Rachel had become withdrawn, avoiding his company and responding to his efforts with an awkward silence. Laurenn realized he needed to change his strategy. Seeking advice, he turned to Sir Hector, his trusted knight, who was in a romantic relationship with one of Leticia's ladies-in-waiting.
During a break in training, Laurenn hesitantly broached the subject.
"Sir Hector, I need some advice," he began, embarrassed. "How can I get closer to Rachel?"
"I'm not exactly a romance expert, Your Highness," Hector replied with an amused smile. "But perhaps we can brainstorm some activities you both might enjoy. Tell me your ideas."
"Well, I thought about taking her to my favorite spot in the castle," Laurenn explained. "There, we could enjoy a delicious dinner, and while she savors dessert, I would play a song dedicated to her. What do you think?"
Hector suppressed a laugh. That sounded like a marriage proposal!
"Your ideas are… better than I imagined, Your Highness," he responded diplomatically.
Rachel, surrounded by her ladies-in-waiting, was chatting animatedly when Laurenn approached, asking to speak with her privately.
"Lady Rachel," Laurenn began, a little nervous, "if you're available next Saturday, I'd like to invite you to a…"
"Prince Laurenn," Rachel interrupted with a smile, "I would love to see the city. Would that be possible?"
"Of course! I'd be honored to accompany you on this outing," Laurenn replied, suppressing his disappointment. "The important thing is Rachel's company; we can do what I planned another time," he thought.
"Actually," Rachel continued, "I was thinking of a picnic. If you made a dish for me, I would be very happy to try it."
"I… I'm not very skilled in the kitchen," Laurenn admitted, surprised by the request. "But I'll do my best."
The idea of a picnic in the middle of winter didn't seem ideal, but it was Rachel's wish, and he would do anything to please her.
"We'll meet at the agreed-upon location, then?" Rachel asked with a sweet smile.
"As you wish, Lady Rachel," Laurenn replied, enchanted.
On Saturday, Laurenn arrived at the designated spot early, the picnic basket filled with sandwiches and treats he had painstakingly prepared himself. First-date jitters gnawed at him. Half an hour passed, and Rachel didn't appear. Worry began to creep in. Sir Hector, in charge of his security, approached.
"Your other outing idea was much better, Your Highness," Hector commented with an ironic smile. "Are you sure this is the right place? Lady Rachel is very late."
"Go look for her, Hector," Laurenn requested, his voice laced with apprehension. "I need to know if she's alright."
"But, Your Highness, I can't leave you alone and unprotected," Hector argued.
"Please, look for Lady Rachel. I'm worried something might have happened to her," Laurenn insisted.
What Laurenn didn't know was that Rachel's tardiness was intentional. Comfortably nestled amidst silks and pillows, Rachel laughed with the man accompanying her.
"I wonder if he's still waiting?" she asked with a mischievous smile. "Perhaps this will teach him not to refuse my kiss." And, imitating Laurenn's voice, she added sarcastically, "'You shouldn't force yourself…'"
"Are you sure it's wise to leave him waiting, my dear?" the man questioned, stroking her hair.
"Nonsense!" Rachel replied nonchalantly. "In this cold, he must have left already. No one would wait that long. Now, let's continue where we left off…"
At the picnic spot, Laurenn, resigned to Rachel's absence, looked at the basket of food, concerned about the waste. He spotted a group of young knights returning from training, exhausted and hungry. He approached them and offered the basket.
"After such a difficult training session, you must be hungry," he said with a kind smile.
The knights, surprised to see the prince, bowed respectfully.
"Yes, Your Highness," they replied in unison.
"Take it, then. I hope you enjoy it," Laurenn said, handing them the basket. "I made it myself, but it might not be to everyone's taste."
"It's an honor, Your Highness!" the knights exclaimed, grateful and impressed by the prince's kindness.
"I wonder what happened to Lady Rachel?" Laurenn wondered as he watched the knights walk away.
During dinner, Leticia was surprised by Laurenn's absence. They always dined together. The butler informed her that the prince had gone out on a date with Rachel in the city. Worried, Leticia awaited her brother's return. Hours later, Hector appeared, visibly distressed.
"Your Highness, Prince Laurenn has not yet returned," he reported, recounting what had happened.
At that moment, Rachel entered the hall, indifferent.
"Where's Laurenn?" Leticia asked, her tone reproachful.
"I didn't find him," Rachel replied, feigning surprise. "I assumed he had already returned."
Leticia, however, knew her brother would never break a promise. He would still be waiting at the agreed-upon location.
"Where was the meeting, Sir Hector?" she asked urgently.
Leticia, closely followed by Aleph, rode at full speed towards the location indicated by Hector. The cold wind whipped at their faces as worry gnawed at their thoughts.
Upon arriving, they found Laurenn sitting on the bench. He was surprised to see Leticia and Aleph.
"Leticia! What are you doing here? It's too cold! You'll catch a chill!" he exclaimed worriedly.
"I should be asking what you're doing here, Laurenn," Leticia replied with a tone of reprimand.
"I'm waiting for Lady Rachel," Laurenn explained with a sigh. "She invited me for a picnic. I can't just leave. It would be rude."
Leticia touched her brother's face, feeling the cold emanating from his skin. She handed him a mug of warm drink she had brought with her and covered him with a blanket.
"Let's go back, Laurenn. That woman has been at the castle for a long time," she said firmly.
"At the castle?" Laurenn's eyes widened in surprise. "But… how? She didn't tell me… I thought something might have happened…"
Relieved and confused, Laurenn allowed Leticia to lead him back to the castle. Upon their arrival, they found Rachel sitting by the fireplace, as if nothing had happened. Laurenn rushed to her, his worry replaced by joy. He reached out to touch her but hesitated at the last moment.
"Rachel! Are you alright?" he asked anxiously. "I was so worried!"
"I'm sorry, Laurenn," Rachel said with a sweet voice and a look of remorse. "Something unexpected came up, and I couldn't let you know. I'm so sorry for leaving you waiting."
Laurenn, blinded by his affection for Rachel, accepted her apology without question. The relief of seeing her safe was greater than any resentment. Rachel, in turn, observed him with a sly smile.
"What a fool!" she thought, amused by the prince's naiveté.
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