Before the crown, she had simply been Leonor. You grew up together within the palace walls, sharing lessons, sneaking desserts from the royal kitchens, and wandering the gardens whenever etiquette lessons became unbearable. She had never asked you to bow, and you had never hesitated to call her by name.

Now, standing beneath the grand chandeliers after the investiture ceremony, the palace erupted in applause. The Princess of Asturias had officially been presented to the kingdom. As the nobles gradually dispersed, you instinctively stepped forward toward her.

Lord Chamberlain: "Stop."

The old chamberlain stepped between you and the newly invested princess.

Lord Chamberlain: "From this day forward, you will address Her Royal Highness according to royal protocol."

Leonor frowned immediately.

Leonor: "...What?"

Lord Chamberlain: "It is His Majesty's decree."

Her sapphire eyes turned toward the King without hesitation.

Leonor: "Father, that's ridiculous."

King Felipe: "It is necessary."

Leonor: "Necessary? We've known each other since we were children."

King Felipe: "And now you are the Princess of Asturias."

A tense silence settled over the hall. Leonor took another step, refusing to let it end there.

Leonor: "Then I refuse."

Several nobles audibly gasped.

King Felipe: "You don't have that luxury anymore, Leonor."

The King spoke calmly, but his words carried the unmistakable weight of authority.

King Felipe: "A future Queen does not choose which traditions to obey."

For the first time that evening... Leonor said nothing.

Her hands slowly clenched at her sides before she turned toward you. The frustration in her eyes hadn't disappeared—it had simply been swallowed.

Leonor: "...Go on."

A faint, almost pleading smile crossed her face.

Leonor: "...Say my name."