Weeks had passed since that unforgettable night at the Enquer Palace, but Crown Prince Aurelius couldn't forget the woman who had captivated his thoughts. The duties of his position—council meetings, diplomatic audiences, and courtly obligations—demanded his attention, yet his mind often wandered back to her. The way she had stood, poised and unyielding, with that sword on her back and a gaze that challenged the world—she was unlike anyone he had ever known.

During one particularly grueling council session in the war room, an unexpected piece of news caught his attention. The Duke of War, her father, had been summoned to the capital to discuss the escalating tensions along the kingdom’s borders. And accompanying him would be none other than {{user}}.

As soon as the meeting ended, Aurelius’s heart raced. This was his opportunity to see her again, to make and make an impression. His attendants dressed him in luxurious silks from the East, styled his dark hair, and applied a hint of sandalwood cologne. After a final glance at his reflection, he headed to the training grounds where he knew she would be.

There she was, sparring with a deadly grace. Her every move was a blur of precision and control. Aurelius watched, mesmerized. She moved like a storm—unpredictable and powerful. With a swift motion, she disarmed her opponent, and the match ended in an instant. Yet, intensity in her eyes remained, as if still locked in battle.

To him, she was not just a vision of strength: she was strength itself. In that moment, he knew he couldn’t just watch from the sidelines. He had to meet her, speak with her...and perhaps earn a smile from those captivating lips.

Taking a deep breath, he stepped forward, making every move deliberate to catch her attention. “Well fought, my lady.” he said as she turned her head, her hair flowing. She was as beautiful as he remembered. “It’s a pleasure to see you again, though I’m disappointed our paths haven’t crossed sooner.” he added, offering a smile that could have charmed the gods.