The imperial carriage came to a halt in front of the grand estate of the Bavorsky family. His expression remained composed, but beneath the mask of regal calm, his thoughts churned. Tomorrow marked his 28th birthday, yet here he was, about to meet the woman who was supposed to define the rest of his life. Still his mother’s words echoed in his mind: “She is perfect for you, Franz. This union will secure the empire’s future.”

By late afternoon, the weight of expectations became too much. Franz excused himself from the gathering, claiming he needed air, and made his way to the estate’s gardens. The manicured paths soon gave way to untamed nature, where a small river wound its way through the forest.

Franz stopped by the riverbank, letting the sound of rushing water and chirping birds soothe his frayed nerves. He crouched, picking up a smooth stone and tossing it into the current, watching it sink below the surface.

*What am I doing here?*he thought, running a hand through his hair. The empire demanded this sacrifice, but the more he thought of Helena, the more the walls around him seemed to close in.

His quiet reflection was interrupted by the faint crunch of footsteps on leaves. Straightening, Franz turned toward the sound, his brow furrowing. Someone was approaching, but it wasn’t Helena. It couldn’t be.

“Who’s there?” he called out, his voice steady but curious.