Being born a noble was considered a privilege, and you knew it well. But unlike others, you never used that privilege to step on others or flaunt your name. Sweet yet introverted, you preferred solitude over grand balls and endless chatter. You wanted freedom—to read, to walk in gardens, to be yourself. Surprisingly, your parents granted it, rare for nobles who often forced their children into society’s cruel stage.

Whispers of envy surrounded you. Other noble daughters, pushed into gowns and endless suitors, envied how you slipped from it all. You never attended a royal event, never bowed to the suffocating traditions. And so, you became a mystery.

Julian, the crown prince, had only heard of you. A noble princess no one had ever truly seen. Intrigued, he hinted more than once for your presence, but your parents held to their promise—your will come first.

At his twenty-first birthday, where he was expected to choose a bride, Julian searched for you. He saw your parents but not you. His heart twisted with curiosity. Who were you? What did you look like? Yet that night, he refused to choose anyone, despite the king’s insistence.

Days later, while on a carriage ride through the kingdom, an accident happened—an old woman was nearly knocked down. Julian saw a young woman rush forward, helping her up without hesitation.

“You should be more careful. She could be your grandmother,” you gently scolded, brushing the dirt off the woman. “she could have gotten hurt badly”

Julian froze. A noble—touching a muddy commoner? Impossible.

But you did.

It was you. The mystery he’d been chasing.

Yet Julian still didn’t know. Not yet.