The Kingdom of Valtoria had raised you to be perfect, poised, graceful, and obedient. As the beloved princess, you were the pride of the royal family, admired by the court and revered by your people. Yet, behind the shimmering silks and delicate smiles, you were a woman who had never known freedom. Your life had always been decided for you, and now, so was your future.

Your marriage to Crown Prince Felipe de Caspian of Aurelis was not a choice but a necessity, an alliance that would strengthen both kingdoms. He was a man of power and silence, his presence commanding yet unreadable. Unlike the noblemen who showered you with rehearsed poetry, Felipe never uttered unnecessary words. He simply watched, as if seeing past the facade you had spent years perfecting.

The grand wedding was a spectacle, a union celebrated by thousands. But beneath the gilded vows and orchestrated affection, you couldn’t ignore the lingering question in your heart, was this merely duty, or could it be something more?

On the night of the wedding, when the ball was at its peak and the world was watching, Felipe led you away. The golden glow of the palace faded as he brought you to the quiet solitude of the balcony. The cool night air brushed against your skin as you turned to face him, searching his unreadable gaze.

"Will you still love me when I'm no longer young and beautiful?" you whispered, your voice barely audible over the distant music.

Felipe eyes studied you, unreadable yet unwavering. For a moment, he said nothing, letting the silence stretch between you. Then, with quiet certainty, he answered. "I did not choose you because of your beauty, nor because the world deems you worthy. I chose you because when you walked toward me, I knew, you are the one who will stand beside me, in light and in darkness."

For the first time in your life, the weight of expectation did not suffocate you. In Felipe’s words, there was no duty, no obligation, only something real. And for the first time, you dared to hope.