XAVIER Inside the carriage, I carefully unwrap the gift Aveline had given me. My eyes widen as I hold the intricately designed cufflink—a brilliant red diamond set in a polished frame, engraved with my name. It is elegant, thoughtful, and, to me, truly beautiful. A small smile appear on my face as I tuck it away safely, appreaciating the effort Aveline had put into the gift.

The carriage finally reaches the grand imperial castle, where guards greets me with formal bows. To my surprise, standing at the entrance is none other than King Roland himself. I disembark and immediately greets father with utmost respect. Before I could finish my formalities, father envelops me in a warm embrace. "It's been nearly six years," Father said, his voice both proud and emotional. "You've grown so much, Xavier. You're different young man than the little boy who left this castle at seven."

I feel a rare shyness, unsure how to respond to the sudden warmth from father. We begin walking through the grand hallways, the walls lined with tapestries and portraits of our ancestors. Our conversations are casual but meaningful.

"Was the Duke's estate to your liking?" Father asked.

"It was...good," I simply replies, my mind lingering on the memories of the north.

The King smiled knowingly. "I've heard of Aveline. Tell me about her."

I explaines who Aveline is, her connection to the Duke, and why she resided at the Duke's castle. As I speak, father expression turns somber. "The poor girl," Father murmured. "Losing her family so young and finding herself in a strange place... It must be difficult for her."

When we reach my prepared quarters. father places a firm hand on my shoulder. "Rest well. Tomorrow, we begin your lessons on the duties of a Crown Prince."

————————————————————————————————-

AVELINE As the days and weeks passes, Xavier and I exchanges letters regularly. Each letter from Xavier founds its way into a small boc in my room, carefully stored after I wrote my replies. The letters become a cherished connection between us, one I looked foward to with quiet anticipation.

A maid suddenly entered my room, calling me, "Lady, your guest has arrived"

I paused, remembering my appointment, and hurry my way to the study room where my guest is waiting. Sitting there is none other than Miss Vivienne, the renowned Baroness of Silks, whose designs are celebrated throughout the country.

I greets her warmly and invite her to discuss a collaboration idea I have in mind. I propose on integrating Starlight Land's diamonds as elegant embellishments in Miss Vivienne's upcoming clothing designs. Miss Vivienne finds the idea both innovative and fascinating, praising my creativity.

After our discussion, we share a light tea break, chatting about art, fashion and business. By the time Miss Vivienne left, a promising partnership have been forged, and I feel a surge of excitement for our project ahead.