Laurenn, despite the arranged marriage, nurtured a sincere desire to build a genuine relationship with Rachel, a connection that could blossom into true love. He longed to experience passion, to share his life with someone who would love and accept him for who he was.
After Laurenn's rejection, Rachel had become withdrawn, avoiding his company and responding to his efforts with awkward silence. Laurenn realized he needed to change his strategy. Seeking advice, he approached Sir Hector, his trusted knight, who was in a loving relationship with one of Leticia's ladies-in-waiting.
During a break in training, Laurenn hesitantly broached the subject.
"Sir Hector, I need some advice," he began, embarrassed. "How might I get closer to Rachel?"
"I'm not exactly an expert on romance, Your Highness," Hector replied with an amused smile. "But perhaps we can think of activities you both might enjoy together. Tell me your ideas."
"Well, I thought of taking her to my favorite place in the castle," Laurenn explained. "There, we could enjoy a delicious dinner, and while she savors her dessert, I would play a song dedicated to her. What do you think?"
Hector stifled a laugh. That would be perfect for a marriage proposal!
"Your ideas are... better than I imagined, Your Highness," he replied diplomatically.
Rachel, surrounded by her ladies-in-waiting, was chatting animatedly when Laurenn approached, asking to speak with her in private.
"Lady Rachel," Laurenn began, a little nervous, "if you are available next Saturday, I would like to invite you for a..."
"Prince Laurenn," Rachel interrupted with a smile, "I would love to see the city. Would that be possible?"
"Of course! I would be honored to accompany you on this outing," Laurenn replied, suppressing his disappointment. "The important thing is Rachel's company. On another occasion, we can do what I had planned," he thought.
"Actually," Rachel continued, "I was thinking of a picnic. If you were to make a dish for me, I would be very happy to try it."
"I... am not very skilled in the kitchen," Laurenn admitted, surprised by the request. "But I will do my best."
The idea of a picnic in the middle of winter didn't seem the most suitable to him, but it was Rachel's wish, and he would do anything to please her.
"We'll meet at the designated place, then?" Rachel asked with a sweet smile.
"As you wish, Lady Rachel," Laurenn replied, enchanted.
On Saturday, Laurenn arrived at the designated spot early, the picnic basket filled with sandwiches and treats he had prepared himself with great effort. The anxiety of the first date consumed him. Half an hour passed, and Rachel did not appear. Worry began to take hold of Laurenn. Sir Hector, in charge of his security, approached.
"Your other idea for an outing was much better, Your Highness," Hector commented with an ironic smile. "Are you sure this is the right place? Lady Rachel is very late."
"Go find her, Hector," Laurenn requested, his voice heavy with apprehension. "I need to know if she's alright."
"But, Your Highness, I cannot leave you alone and unprotected," Hector argued.
"Please, look for Lady Rachel. I'm worried something might have happened to her," Laurenn insisted.
What Laurenn didn't know was that Rachel's delay was intentional. Comfortably nestled amidst silks and pillows, Rachel was laughing with the man accompanying her.
"I wonder if he's still waiting?" she asked with a malicious smile. "Maybe this will teach him not to refuse my kiss." And, imitating Laurenn's voice, she added sarcastically, "You shouldn't force yourself..."
"Are you sure it's wise to keep him waiting, my dear?" the man questioned, stroking her hair.
"Nonsense!" Rachel replied, unconcerned. "In this cold, he must have already left. No one would wait that long. Now, let's continue where we left off..."
At the picnic spot, Laurenn, resigned to Rachel's absence, looked at the food basket, worried about it going to waste. He spotted a group of young knights returning from training, exhausted and hungry. He approached them and offered the basket.
"After such hard training, you must be hungry," he said with a gentle smile.
The knights, surprised to see the prince, bowed respectfully.
"Yes, Your Highness," they replied in unison.
"Please accept this, then. I hope you like it," Laurenn said, handing them the basket. "I prepared it myself, but it might not be to everyone's taste."
"It is an honor, Your Highness!" the knights exclaimed, grateful and impressed by the prince's kindness.
"I wonder what happened to Lady Rachel?" Laurenn asked himself as he watched the knights walk away.
During dinner, Leticia found Laurenn's absence strange. They always dined together. The butler informed her that the prince had gone out for a date with Rachel in the city. Worried, Leticia waited for her brother's return. Hours later, Hector appeared, visibly distressed.
"Your Highness, Prince Laurenn has not yet returned," he informed her, recounting what had happened.
At that moment, Rachel entered the hall, indifferent.
"Where is Laurenn?" Leticia asked with a tone of disapproval.
"I couldn't find him," Rachel replied, feigning surprise. "I figured he had already come back."
Leticia, however, knew that her brother would never break a promise. He would still be waiting at the designated place.
"Where was the meeting spot, Sir Hector?" she asked, urgency in her voice.
Leticia, followed closely by Aleph, rode at full speed toward the location Hector had indicated. The cold wind cut their faces as worry gnawed at their thoughts.
When they arrived, they found Laurenn sitting on the bench. He was surprised to see Leticia and Aleph.
"Leticia! What are you doing here? It's too cold! You could catch a chill!" he exclaimed, concerned.
"I should be asking what you're doing here, Laurenn," Leticia replied with a scolding tone.
"I'm waiting for Lady Rachel," Laurenn explained with a sigh. "She invited me for a picnic. I can't just leave. It would be rude."
Leticia touched her brother's face, feeling the cold emanating from his skin. She handed him a mug of a hot drink she had brought with her and covered him with a blanket.
"Let's go back, Laurenn. That woman has been at the castle for a long time now," she said firmly.
"At the castle?" Laurenn's eyes widened in surprise. "But... how? She didn't tell me... I thought something might have happened..."
Relieved and confused, Laurenn allowed Leticia to lead him back to the castle. When they arrived, they found Rachel sitting near the fireplace as if nothing had happened. Laurenn ran to her, his worry giving way to joy. He reached out to touch her but hesitated at the last moment.
"Rachel! Are you alright?" he asked, anxious. "I was so worried!"
"I'm sorry, Laurenn," Rachel said with a sweet voice and a regretful look. "Something unexpected came up, and I couldn't let you know. I'm so sorry for keeping you waiting."
Laurenn, blinded by the affection he felt for Rachel, accepted her apology without question. The relief of seeing her safe was greater than any resentment. Rachel, for her part, observed him with a deceitful smile.
"What a fool!" she thought, amused by the prince's naivety.