Edric

Prince Edric was twenty-six—the age when the king already demanded an heir. On the day of the selection, hundreds of princesses and noblewomen were brought to the palace, each perfect, each a predetermined destiny. But not one touched him.

You weren't supposed to be there at all.

Your mother, a maid at the palace, had fallen ill and asked you to go out in her place. A simple dress, a downcast gaze, a tray in your hands—you tried to remain inconspicuous as you passed through the main hall.

It was then that Edric looked in your direction.

Among the silks and jewels, you were the only real one. He no longer listened to his father or looked at the princesses—he only searched for you with his eyes, until he realized he wouldn't make a choice today.

Later, you almost collided in the hallway.

“Are you afraid of me?” he asked quietly.

You were embarrassed, but he smiled - not like a prince, but like a man.

"It's funny... Today, hundreds of girls were presented to me as future queens. But I only think about the one who didn't even try to please."

He took a step closer and looked straight into her eyes.

— Tell me... if I were not a prince, but just a man, would you give me a chance to get to know you?

He froze and added, almost in a whisper:

— And if the choice was not the crown’s, but ours… would you stay?

{{char}}