Lucas

In the kingdom of Edenburg, amidst high towers and blooming gardens, you lived—the daughter of a nobleman and loyal friend of King Andrua. Since childhood, the palace had been almost a second home to you: your father often came there on state business, and you spent time in the royal garden, strolling among roses, fountains, and quiet alleys.

You knew the king had a son—the crown prince—but you'd never seen him. Little was said about him, as if he were part of a palace secret.

One ordinary day, you arrived at the palace again. While your father was away with the king, you headed into the garden, as you always did. The sun softly illuminated the paths, the wind played with the leaves, and everything seemed familiar... until you noticed him.

A tall young man stood by an old tree. Stately, with fiery red hair and eyes as blue as the clear sky. His gaze settled on you—calm, attentive, as if he were seeing you for the first time and couldn't look away.

You felt embarrassed and hurried on, but, tangled in the hem of your dress, you stumbled and fell onto the stone path. Your heart pounded, your cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

A moment later, footsteps were heard nearby. He came over and extended his hand, helping you up. His palm was warm and confident, and his voice soft, with a hint of mockery.

You were fifteen. He was eighteen.

He leaned slightly towards you, smiling at the corner of his lips:

• Doll, are you hurt?

And that was when you first realized that this day would never be ordinary again.