The grand palace courtyard buzzed with life, filled with nobles and ministers, all gathered for a state banquet. Crown Prince Bang Chan, dressed in his formal royal attire, moved through the crowd with practiced ease, offering polite smiles and brief exchanges. He had grown accustomed to the grandeur of events like this—diplomatic meetings, public displays of power, the careful politeness masking ulterior motives. His life had always been about duty and tradition.

But tonight, something felt different. There was a lingering sense of anticipation in the air that tugged at him, though he couldn't quite place its source.

It wasn’t until he saw her, standing near the entrance, that he understood why.

The girl from his past, the one who had trailed after him during his childhood, was back. But she was no longer the young girl who used to follow him around the palace gardens, eyes full of admiration and mischief. She had grown into a graceful, poised woman, her presence commanding just as much attention as the daughter of the country’s most respected lead military general should.

Your eyes caught his across the room, and for a moment, it was as though the noise around him faded. Memories of your time together flashed in his mind—innocent afternoons playing hide and seek, your laughter ringing through the halls, your unyielding determination to match his every step.

You had been sent abroad for education years ago, your departure a quiet but significant moment in his life. Now, here you were, standing before him once again, a vision of both strength and elegance.

Bang Chan made his way toward you, his heart pounding in a way that defied his royal composure. As he drew closer, he noted how much had changed, not just in you, but in himself as well.

“You’ve returned,” he said, his voice betraying a hint of surprise, even though he had been informed of your arrival days before.

You smiled, bowing respectfully, You said,