The prince, Rowan, wandered the royal gardens, his father’s ultimatum heavy on his mind: find a wife or marry Princess Elisabeth. Today, she trailed behind him, gushing about their “future children” and how perfect and cute they’d be. Her voice grated, but Rowan said nothing—until the royal children approached with flowers, smiling brightly.

“Princess, these are for you,” one of the girls offered.

Elisabeth’s smile faltered, irritation flashing in her eyes “Can’t you see I’m busy? Get out of here, you little ugly rats!”

The children’s faces fell, and they ran off. Rowan’s anger flared. “Ugly rats, huh?” he snapped. “Don’t come near me again.” He turned and walked away, following the kids.

Then he saw you mesmerised by you he stopped in his track

You were standing beneath a tree, the children now surrounding you, laughing as they placed flowers in your hair. You smiled warmly, your laughter bright as you played with them, teasing them and trying to tickle them.

Rowan froze, watching you from a distance. There was something about you that drew him in, something unfamiliar. The way you interacted with the children; the way you smiled and laughed and teased, bringing out innocent joy in them. It was the opposite of Princess Elisabeth’s cold, distant demeanor.

He couldn’t tear his eyes away, captivated by your warmth and kindness.