Love me

"No! I'm going to prove to you that I love her." Prince Raymond's voice rang through the empty stone corridor, breaking the silence that had settled over the western wing of the palace. The torches lining across the stone walls flickered, casting long dancing shadows across the floor, as a cold breeze drifted through the open windows, carrying the distant sounds of laughter and music from the grand ballroom below. For a long moment, no one spoke. Then a calm voice answered from the shadows behind him. "You've mistaken gratitude for love." Raymond clenched his fists. "I haven't." "You have." "I know what I feel." "Do you?" the voice asked quietly. Raymond turned away, unable to meet the other's gaze. "I'll prove it." Silence. "I'll marry a princess," he declared. "I'll find someone worthy of becoming my queen, and when I do, you'll see that you're wrong." The voice remained gentle. "You don't even know who 'she' is." "I will." "You cannot force your heart to choose." Raymond's jaw tightened. "You don't know anything about my heart." Without waiting for another reply, he spun on his heel and strode toward the staircase. His polished boots echoed against the marble steps as he descended, each step firm and determined. Behind him, the unseen figure released a quiet sigh. "You already have..." The grand ballroom was alive with music. Crystal chandeliers bathed the room in golden light while dozens of noble families filled the polished floor in expensive gowns and embroidered suits. Servants moved gracefully between guests carrying silver trays of sparkling wine and delicate desserts, never missing a step despite the crowded hall. Tonight's royal banquet had gathered nobles from every corner of the kingdom. It wasn't simply a celebration. It was an opportunity. An opportunity for alliances. For political discussions. And perhaps... For the crown prince to find a bride. At the foot of the staircase stood the royal herald. The moment Raymond appeared, the herald struck his silver staff against the floor. "His Royal Highness, Prince Raymond!" The lively conversations ceased almost instantly. Hundreds of eyes turned toward the staircase. Raymond descended with measured steps, his royal cloak flowing behind him. Though a faint smile rested on his face, it never quite reached his eyes. He acknowledged the guests with a graceful nod before making his way into the hall. The orchestra resumed its melody. The conversations returned. Yet whispers followed him wherever he walked. "There he is." "The future king." "I wonder which princess he'll choose." "I heard several kingdoms came hoping for a marriage alliance." Raymond pretended not to hear. He had heard those same whispers for years. Marriage. Duty. The future. Sometimes he wondered whether anyone cared what he wanted. A familiar voice interrupted his thoughts. "My dear." Queen Elean approached with elegance, her emerald gown shimmering beneath the chandelier's light. A silver tiara rested gracefully upon her neatly arranged hair. She smiled warmly before straightening the collar of his coat like she had done since he was a child. "You look handsome tonight." Raymond chuckled. "You say that every banquet." "Because it's always true." She glanced around the ballroom. "There are many remarkable princesses attending tonight." "I noticed." "They're all hoping you'll ask for a dance." Raymond followed her gaze. Princesses from neighboring kingdoms stood scattered throughout the hall, each surrounded by nobles eager to speak with them. Some offered shy smiles when they noticed him looking. Others quickly looked away, whispering quietly among themselves. Queen Elean gently nudged his shoulder. "Go on." Raymond raised an eyebrow. "Go where?" "Meet them." "Mother..." "You can't avoid this forever." He laughed softly. "I'm not avoiding it." "Oh?" "No." "Then why haven't you approached a single princess?" Raymond hesitated. "I was simply... thinking." She gave him a knowing smile. "You think far too much." She patted his arm. "Go." "Before every mother in this room decides I'm preventing their daughter from becoming queen." Raymond sighed dramatically. "Very well." His mother laughed. "That's my son." She disappeared into the crowd, leaving Raymond standing alone. For a brief moment, he simply watched the dancers moving across the polished floor, their movements perfectly matching the orchestra's graceful rhythm. Perhaps... This was the beginning. Perhaps the mysterious voice upstairs had been wrong. Perhaps he simply hadn't met the right woman. He took a deep breath. Then stepped into the crowd. As he walked through the ballroom, nobles greeted him with respectful bows. "Your Highness." "Good evening, Prince Raymond." "It is an honor." He answered each greeting politely, though his mind remained elsewhere. The rich aroma of roasted meat, sweet pastries, and fresh flowers lingered in the air, blending with the sound of cheerful conversations. Suddenly... Thud. Someone collided lightly with him. "Oh!" A young woman stumbled backward, nearly dropping the glass in her hand. "I'm terribly sorry." Raymond reached out instinctively, steadying her before she lost her balance. "No harm done." She looked up. Bright brown eyes met his. For a second... Both of them blinked. Then they laughed. "Aliya?" She smiled. "It's been a while, Raymond." Princess Aliya of Valkyl. His childhood friend. The girl who had spent summers racing horses through the palace gardens with him before royal duties separated them. "You've changed." "So have you." "You still apologize before I can." "And you still smile whenever you're embarrassed." Raymond laughed. "I suppose some things never change." The conversation came naturally. Effortlessly. They spoke about childhood memories, neighboring kingdoms, and the years they had spent apart. They laughed over old stories that neither of them had forgotten despite the passing years. Nearby nobles watched with growing interest. Several exchanged satisfied smiles. "They look perfect together." "They've known each other since childhood." "They'd make an excellent royal couple." Raymond didn't notice the whispers. For the first time that evening... He felt relaxed. It was a feeling he hadn't expected to find in a room filled with politics and expectations. When the music changed, Aliya extended a hand. "Would you care to dance?" Raymond looked at her for a moment before smiling. "I'd be honored." As they stepped onto the dance floor, Queen Eleanor watched from across the room. Hope flickered in her eyes. Perhaps... This would finally be the one. ...Across the hall, someone watched them and without a word, turned and disappeared into the crowd.