Three months before the grand ball, the Zientek estate buzzed with its usual hum of activity. Far grander than the royal palace, the sprawling grounds were a fortress of elegance and strength, a testament to the family's power. The sound of clashing blades echoed through the training yard, mingling with the crisp autumn air.
Charlotte Zientek stood at the center of the yard, her silver-grey hair tied back, sweat glistening on her brow. She was sparring with one of her family's soldiers, her movements sharp and precise. Each strike of her blade carried an intensity that left her opponents scrambling to keep up.
"Is that all you've got?" she teased, her hazel eyes gleaming with determination as she parried a strike and countered with a swift move that disarmed her opponent.
The watching soldiers clapped and cheered, their respect for their young mistress evident. Charlotte wasn't just a noblewoman; she was a warrior in her own right.
A Stranger at the Gate.
From his vantage point beyond the estate's imposing gates, Luciano Antonio watched the scene with a mixture of admiration and frustration. He had been trying to gain entry to the Zientek estate for weeks, only to be turned away every time.
The guards at the gate were polite but firm. The Zienteks were known for their caution, especially when it came to outsiders.
Luciano's persistence, however, had not gone unnoticed. That day, a messenger arrived from the estate, informing him that his request to enter had been granted—conditionally. He would be allowed inside in three weeks, after his background and intentions were thoroughly reviewed.
Three weeks felt like an eternity, but Luciano knew better than to push his luck. For now, he remained at the gates, an observer to the life within.
A Glimpse of Her Strength.
Charlotte finished her training session, wiping her brow as she glanced toward the gate. She had noticed the man lingering there over the past few weeks. His black hair and green eyes made him stand out, even from a distance.
She approached the estate's steward, who stood nearby. "Who's that man at the gate?" she asked, nodding toward Luciano.
The steward hesitated. "That is Prince Luciano Antonio, my lady. He has been requesting an audience with your family."
"Why hasn't he been let in?"
"The family has been cautious. There are... protocols for outsiders."
Charlotte raised an eyebrow but didn't press further. She trusted her family's judgment, but there was something about the prince's persistence that piqued her curiosity.
The First Meeting.
Three weeks later, Luciano was finally granted entry to the Zientek estate. He was escorted through the grand halls, his every step shadowed by the estate's guards. When he was led to the training yard, he found Charlotte once again engaged in a sparring session.
This time, she was fighting two opponents simultaneously. Her movements were a blur of speed and precision, her blade an extension of herself. Within moments, she disarmed both soldiers, leaving them stunned and breathless.
"Well fought, my lady," one of the soldiers said, bowing respectfully.
Charlotte smiled, lowering her blade. It was then that she noticed Luciano standing at the edge of the yard.
"Prince Luciano, I presume," she said, approaching him. Her tone was polite but guarded.
"You presume correctly," he replied, bowing slightly. "It's an honor to finally meet you, Lady Zientek."
Charlotte tilted her head, studying him. "You've been rather persistent, Your Highness. To what do I owe the pleasure?"
Luciano hesitated, his carefully rehearsed words slipping away under her sharp gaze. "I've heard of your family's strength and wisdom," he said finally. "I came seeking guidance."
Her eyes narrowed slightly, but her tone remained neutral. "Guidance for what?"
"Matters of great importance," he replied, his voice steady but vague.
Charlotte didn't press further. She could sense that he wasn't ready to share the full truth. Instead, she offered a faint smile. "Well, I hope your persistence pays off, Prince Luciano. My family does not offer guidance lightly."
Lingering Questions.
Over the following weeks, Luciano remained a guest at the Zientek estate, carefully navigating its labyrinth of power and secrecy. He had yet to find the right moment to speak with Charlotte about the curse or his repeated lives.
For her part, Charlotte found herself both intrigued and cautious around the prince. His presence stirred questions she couldn't yet answer, and his words carried a weight she couldn't yet decipher.
But one thing was certain: their paths had crossed for a reason. And whether they realized it or not, their fates were already intertwined.