"Hello," she greeted, her voice a gentle melody that resonated in the tranquil space between them.

  A moment passed between them as the scent of blossoms wafted through the air, carried by the playful wind that danced through the leaves. Sunlight filtered through the intricate foliage, casting dappled shadows on the ground beneath the ancient oak.

  Sebastian caught himself staring at the young lady, knowing it is rude, he closed and placed his book to the side and rise from the ground with grace.

  Towering Elara, he held out his hand. “Good afternoon, Lady…” he trailed off.

  “Elara…Elara Whitmore.” Elara timidly says as her eyes wandered from his eyes to his dark locks which is similar to the King.

  “Lady Elara Whitmore,” a recognition sparked in his golden eyes, now recognizing a distinct familiarity of her beauty from Duchess Whitmore. “I am Prince Sebastian Belmont, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

  Elara tentatively placed her hand in his outstretched palm. "Likewise," she whispered, and their hands met in a gentle shake—a symbolic beginning of an unspoken connection between them.

  Sebastian, ever the courteous gentleman, noticed a hint of distress in Elara's eyes and inquired about her presence in the secluded part of the garden. "Did you get lost?" he asked, offering to guide her back to the party.

  “No, I don’t want to go back,” she hesitated, looking back to where she came from then to him again, “My mother wanted me to make friends, but I don’t know if I can make one.”

  Suddenly, a laugh escaped from Sebastian, as he tried to conceal his amusement from this peculiar, timid girl in front of him. He found it amusing that he could see a reflection of himself in her.

  “Apologies, Lady Elara,” he composed himself, “It just so happen that I am here with the same purpose, seeking solace from everyone in the castle and my royal duties.”

  A gentle smile graced her lips. She didn't perceive the Prince's laughter as an offense; rather, it became a shared amusement that both of them met in a circumstance that they want to escape from the social expectations around them.

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  In that moment, Elara sensed a unique comfort, a warmth that enveloped her in the presence of Sebastian. It wasn't just about the laughter; it was an unspoken understanding that set him apart from others, forging a subtle bond between them beneath the ancient oak.

  ***

  Elara’s curiosity sparked, when she found the book that Sebastian was reading now laying on the ground, the title read-“Enchanting Realms: Valeria Unveiled”

  “What is this all about?” She pointed at the book. This gesture opened a door to a shared passion for literature.

  Sebastian being a bookworm offered, “I can talk more about it, if you would like to—” he gestured to sit down at the grass—“accompany me here.”

  He sat first and held out his hand to guide Elara, she took it and sat beside him leaving an appropriate space between them as Sebastian grabbed the book and opened it at the first chapter.

  "It delves into the various species coexisting with humans in the Kingdom of Valeria," he gestured towards an illustration of a divided map. "Valeria spans vast lands, in stark contrast to Emberlund, a small kingdom still in the process of expansion."

  It is undeniably true that the Kingdom of Emberlund finds itself surrounded by more massive kingdoms, each far more advanced than their own. Despite its size, Emberlund boasts rich resources that are scarce in other lands—iron and an abundant variety of gemstones mined in the western part of the kingdom.

  Remaining fiercely independent, Emberlund engages in trade, offering its unique resources in exchange for items readily available from neighboring Valeria and Frostholm.

  Sebastian eagerly turned the page to the next chapter, his enthusiasm palpable. He painted a vivid picture of Valeria for Elara—a realm welcoming different species, from dragons to elves, mermaids, and dwarfs. To him, it was a truly magical place.

  “Will His Highness be traveling to Valeria someday?” Elara inquired, capturing Sebastian's attention as he briefly looked up from the book.

  “I did try to convince Father to let me go, but he insists it's foolish for the heir of Emberlund to travel so far at this age. Perhaps when I'm older,” Sebastian replied, a small smile playing on his lips.

  “Well, I hope you get to see Valeria. It must be wonderful to walk among such diversity in person,” Elara remarked, pointing at a crowded marketplace in an illustration.

  “I hope so too.” Sebastian smiled wider, gazing at the painted scenes before closing the book, allowing a moment to past as the leaves above dance in the gentle breeze.

  Turning to Elara, he realized he had been so engrossed in talking about the Kingdom that he had neglected to ask about her interests.

  “Lady Elara, if I may ask. What literature are you currently interested in?”