The imperial court of Aurora Vale glittered with gold and sunlight, but the Emperor's private chamber was far less forgiving.
"The Crown Prince may treat this marriage as a ceremony," the Emperor said slowly, his sharp gaze resting on the young man standing before him, "but I assure you it is far more than that."
Across the room, Crown Prince Arthur lounged comfortably in a chair, looking thoroughly unconcerned.
"Father, I never said it wasn't important."
"You merely behave as though it is not."
Standing a few steps away from the throne was the young Duke of Brighton—tall, composed, and silent. His platinum blond hair caught the light from the high windows, but unlike the prince, his posture held none of the laziness expected from youth.
The Emperor turned to him instead.
"Duke Brighton."
The duke stepped forward immediately and bowed. "Your Majesty."
"I am entrusting the success of this mission to you."
A servant stepped forward carrying a velvet case. Inside rested two documents sealed with imperial wax.
"The marriage scroll," the Emperor said. "And the official agreement between our empire and Eurin."
The duke accepted the case carefully.
"You will lead the delegation," the Emperor continued. "Ensure the negotiations and the wedding ceremony proceeds smoothly… and keep an eye on my son."
Arthur looked offended. "I am standing right here."
"That is precisely why I am worried," the Emperor replied dryly.
The duke suppressed a faint smile.
"Understood, Your Majesty."
The Emperor's gaze softened slightly.
"You have always been dependable, taking care of this son of mine Duke Brighton. I expect nothing less now."
The young duke bowed again.
"Leave everything to me, Your Majesty."
Preparations filled the palace for the next two days. Carriages were loaded. Soldiers assembled. Royal banners were prepared for the long journey to Eurin.
Meanwhile, Crown Prince Arthur seemed far more interested in enjoying the departure than worrying about it.
"You look troubled," Arthur said casually as the duke inspected the travel arrangements.
"I am," the duke replied calmly.
"Because of the journey?"
"No."
Arthur tilted his head.
"Because of me?"
The duke met his gaze.
"Yes."
Arthur laughed. "You worry too much."
"You do not worry enough, Your Highness."
The prince stretched lazily.
"Relax. I will attend the wedding, stand at the altar, and smile beautifully for the diplomats."
The duke closed the travel ledger.
"That is precisely what concerns me."
Arthur grinned. "Have a little faith, my friend."
The duke sighed quietly. Faith was exactly what he did not have.
------
After several days of travel across sea and land, the golden banners of Aurora Vale finally approached the towering white gates of Eurin.
The capital of Eurin rose before them like a jewel carved from marble and emerald stone.
Waiting at the gates was one of Eurin's minister, surrounded by welcoming officials.
"Your Highness, Duke Brighton," the minister said with a deep bow. "Welcome to Eurin."
Arthur smiled effortlessly. "A beautiful kingdom."
"You honor us with your presence."
Soon the delegation was escorted through the grand streets and into the palace itself.
Inside the towering throne hall, the Emperor of Eurin awaited them.
The duke stepped forward first. He knelt respectfully before the throne and presented the velvet case.
"On behalf of His Imperial Majesty of Aurora Vale," he said calmly, "I present the marriage scroll and the formal alliance agreement."
The documents were handed to the royal attendants. The discussion that followed lasted nearly an hour. Trade agreements. Military cooperation. Ceremony arrangements.
Whenever tensions threatened to stall the conversation, the duke's calm diplomacy guided it forward again. Even the Emperor of Eurin seemed quietly impressed.
Meanwhile, Crown Prince Arthur stood beside him looking pleasant, relaxed… and mostly uninterested.
Across the palace, excitement was brewing for an entirely different reason.
Catherine sat near the window of her chamber when the door suddenly burst open.
"Catherine!"
Her younger sister fourteen year old Isabella rushed inside, nearly tripping over her own dress.
"They're here!"
Catherine looked up calmly. "Who?"
"The delegation from Aurora Vale! The Crown Prince has arrived!"
Isabella grabbed Catherine's arm dramatically. "Come on. Let's sneak out and see him."
Catherine blinked. "…Sneak out?"
"Yes!"
"That would be highly inappropriate."
Isabella groaned. "You sound like an old court manual."
Catherine folded her hands.
"A princess should not secretly observe her future husband."
"That's exactly why she should!"
Catherine gave her a patient look. "No."
Isabella stared at her. "You truly are an old soul."
A few moments, Isabella's face lightened up as an idea crossed her mind.
"Fine. Then I'll check him out for you!"
"Isabella—"
But her sister had already dashed out of the room.
Catherine sighed softly.
-------
Later that afternoon, Catherine slipped quietly into a part of the palace few people visited anymore.
Behind the Pink Diamond Palace stood an old glass greenhouse, hidden beneath vines and flowering branches. Once it had been filled with life, laughter, and the gentle voice of the late Empress. Now it was quiet.
Catherine stepped inside.
Sunlight filtered through the glass ceiling, illuminating the small garden within.
This had been her mother's favorite place.
She walked slowly to the large tree growing in the center. Faint markings still lined the trunk—small lines carved to measure her childhood height.
Catherine touched one gently. For the first time that day, her posture relaxed.
Here, she was not the perfect princess.
She sat beneath the tree with a small sewing kit in her lap, carefully stitching delicate petals onto a white handkerchief.
Her mother's favorite flower, "the love in a mist" an extremely rare and unique flower that bloomed once an year.
As she worked, she began to hum softly—an old melody the Empress used to sing.
No one had ever heard her sing before.
Not even her siblings. This quiet softness was a secret she kept hidden from the world.
Footsteps suddenly echoed through the greenhouse.
Catherine froze.
A young man stepped through the vine-covered entrance.
They stared at each other in surprise.
Catherine quickly stood —but her foot caught against the uneven ground.
She stumbled. Before she could fall, the stranger caught her.
For a brief, awkward moment, they were far too close.
Catherine immediately stepped back.
"Thank you," she said quickly.
The man studied her with quiet curiosity.
"Are you alright?"
"Yes."
She straightened and regained her composure.
"This is the Empress's greenhouse," she added politely. "It is not open to visitors. May I ask what you are doing here?"
"I was walking through the gardens and I heard a melody so I decided to follow it," he replied calmly. "I did not realize this place was restricted."
Catherine nodded. "Well...It is rarely used now."
"By the way....by any chance was that voice yours?" He asked hesitantly.
Catherine paused for a moment. "T-that you are mistaken." She replied back maintaining her calm.
"Is that so? Was I hallucinating? Maybe I need some rest..." He muttered to himself.
After a moment of silence, they sat beneath the tree for a moment, speaking quietly about the garden, the romantic history of why the pink diamond palace was built and the old flowers growing there.
The conversation was unexpectedly pleasant.
But the palace bells suddenly rang in the distance.
Catherine's eyes widened slightly. Her bridal lessons.
"I must go," she said quickly, standing up.
The young man blinked.
She hurried toward the exit.
"Wait—"
But Catherine had already stepped outside.
He watched her disappear between the vines, realizing he had forgotten to ask the most important question.
Her name.
Back in the greenhouse, the young Duke of Brighton stood beneath the old tree, still holding the handkerchief she had accidentally left behind.