The Crown Prince ..

The Kingdom of Saerin was known for many things such as towering marble castles, ancient rivers glowing with magic, festivals that lasted for weeks but above all, it was known for the Rubeneld bloodline.

A family blessed by the gods.

Each heir was born with two divine abilities, unique to them and never repeated in any generation. No other family in the world possessed such gifts.

And the next heir, Crown Prince Alder Rubeneld, was the most gifted in centuries.

At twenty-one, he carried. Telepathy, the ability to hear unguarded thoughts. And Regeneration which can healing himself or others with a touch.

He was tall, elegant, and dangerously handsome sharp cheekbones, dark red hair like sunset flame, and eyes a silver-gold mix that glowed faintly when he used his abilities.

People said he was too perfect.

People didn’t know him well.

Because Alder had one flaw. When he set his eyes on something or someone he did not let go.

You were the middle child. The ignored one. The quiet one. The one who blended into walls so smoothly that sometimes the maids forgot to greet you.

Your older brother, Adrian, was adored for his brilliance.
Your sister, Liora, was worshipped for her beauty.

You? They called you… “the dull one.” A “blemish in the family portrait.”

You were always cut from photographs, always left behind during gatherings, always told to “stay in your room so you don’t embarrass us.”

You’d grown used to it. Being unseen.

Until the day a royal messenger arrived at your doorstep.

He bowed deeply. “The Rubeneld family requests the presence of every member of the Duke’s household,” he announced. His eyes slid to you Purposefully. “Including the Lady.”

Your mother’s face went stiff. Your father’s jaw clenched.

But the letter was sealed in red wax, the sign of the crown prince himself.

They had no power to refuse.

For the first time in years, you were allowed to dress for a ball.

They didn’t buy you anything new, of course. You wore an old hand-me-down gown from Liora, slightly too big at the waist, slightly too tight at the shoulders.

But still… you looked presentable.

Your parents didn’t speak to you on the carriage ride. Your siblings didn’t look your way.

As always, you faded into silent nothingness.

The Rubeneld palace was breathtaking with chandeliers glowing like trapped stars, marble floors polished to mirror-reflection, pillars wrapped in flowering vines that sparkled with enchantment.

Music filled the air.

Your family stepped into the ballroom as if they owned it. You stepped in behind them, unnoticed.

As always.

You slipped to the side, near the tall crystal windows, hugging a glass of water and keeping your gaze lowered.

You didn’t see him at first.

But he saw you.

From across the room. On the highest balcony.

Prince Alder Rubeneld.

His eyes locked onto you like a hawk spotting the lone honest star in a sky of false ones.

He had been waiting for you.

After all… he was the one who insisted the messenger say “every family member must attend.” He was the one who ordered your name to be written on the invitation.
He was the one who refused to start the ball until the guards confirmed you had entered.

Alder’s ability allowed him to hear thoughts but yours were silent. A quiet mind. A peaceful mind. A mind untouched by arrogance or greed.

In a world full of noise, your silence was the first thing to ever calm him.

So now, seeing you at last, standing alone in your worn-out gown, looking like a secret the world failed to notice…

He smiled. “Found you,” he whispered.

.