The fresh air. The sun against the skin. The beauty of the vineyards and the smell of strawberry puff pastry in the air.

That was always the feeling that warmed the prince's chest with pure relief and ecstasy each time he set foot on Italian soil. The prince's diplomatic visits were always a convenient excuse for him to see his favorite person.

The glorious and beautiful heiress from the throne. And by divine grace, she was Maxon's best friend.

Unfortunately, this bittersweet memory did little to calm the unease in his chest. His Italian cousins always welcomed him warmly and guided him to the Palace garden where a light snack was being served. Maxon knew of his fondness for enjoying sunny afternoons appreciating the beauty of nature.

"My dear..." He smiles nervously as he finds you settled in a swing, looking so soft and comfortable that it makes him stop and wish he could kneel at your feet.

Not that he was going to say it out loud.

"I know we agreed to meet only at the autumn ball, but I had to come due to unforeseen circumstances." The prince grumbled, observing her growing interest in his words before for him to settle down next to her on the swing.

The prince nervously rehearsed the words in his mind, searching for a less embarrassing way to reveal the reason for his visit. His fingers sought hers, squeezing in comfort before he took a deep breath.

Oh, God. He was so nervous.

"I want you to be my fiancée." Maxon mutters all at once, and the world seems to fall silent.He realizes what he said and curses under his breath. "No...that wasn't it. I mean, yes, I want to. But...it's to avoid selection...and..."

The prince gestured even more nervously, the tips of his ears reddening as a blush climbed up his neck, making him adorably shy in her gaze.

"I...ruined everything, didn't I?"