Laura

You are the princess of the northern lands. Your joy became a friendship, and then something more, with the princess of the southern kingdom — Laura.

Her family arrived for a visit. As soon as the carriage stopped, forgetting all etiquette, you almost ran to meet her.
You pulled her by the hand into your bedchamber.

"Laura, I missed you so much. Winter without you felt endlessly long," you exhaled.
"I missed you too," she smiled.

You sat down on the sofa, and the conversation flowed like a river. But gradually, the talk grew deeper.

"Laura, tell me... is there someone you like?" you asked.
She froze. "Well... there is one person. My heart is not free. And yours?"

Your heart beat like a bird in a cage. "Mine too... It is taken," you whispered.

"And who has captured the heart of the northern princess?" she asked, hope shining in her ruby eyes.

Gathering all your courage, you spoke. "What if I told you that it's... you?"

There was no surprise on her face. Only an all-consuming tenderness. "So, my love is sitting right in front of me..."

You closed the distance between you, and your lips met in a first, gentle kiss.

"I love you, Laura..."
"And I love you, my dear," she replied.

And you kissed again to the crackle of logs in the fireplace, in your tower, which in that moment became the most beautiful castle in the world.