As the first light of dawn painted the sky with hues of pink and gold. While some still slumbered, Sebastian embraced the peaceful ambiance of the early morning. He ventured into the secluded training grounds.

  Clad in training attire, Sebastian stood alone, the hilt of his sword firm in his grip. The training dummy, weathered by countless practice sessions, stood as a silent sparring partner. The sound of steel meeting the sword held by the dummy filled the quiet space.

  Sebastian moved with a fluid grace, each movement deliberate and precise. Beads of sweat formed on his brow, glistening like morning dew, as he executed a series of swift strikes.

  Sebastian's focus was unwavering, his every motion a testament to the years of training and dedication.

  In the quiet solitude of the training grounds, Sebastian found solace and purpose. The world outside the castle walls seemed to fade away, leaving only the steady beat of his swordplay and the soft whispers of the wind. As the first rays of sunlight broke through the trees, Sebastian continued his practice, a silent dedication to the art of swordsmanship and the responsibilities that awaited him as a prince.

  “My prince,” a voice interrupted his session. “Her highness, the Queen is asking for your presence at the entrance of the royal garden.”

  With one last swing of his sword, the unfortunate head of the dummy flew right out of its body, leaving a headless partner.

  Sebastian turned to face the butler, “Tell her highness, I will be there, shortly.” He took a deep sigh and wiped the sweat at his forehead with the sleeves of his tunic.

  “Of course, My prince.” Sebastian smiled when he noticed the butler faltered his stiff posture before turning his back and briskly walks away from him.

  Prince Sebastian, the first and sole heir to the throne, is renowned for his exceptional swordsmanship and intelligence. He adheres strictly to orders and embraces discipline, earning the kingdom's high expectations for his capabilities.

  Heaving another deep sigh, he walks towards a pathway that conveniently leads to royal garden entrance.

  ***

  From the morning dew-kissed dirt path to the gravel that crunched under his weight, his arrival was announced to his mother and a maid standing right beside her.

  Her majesty frowned at Sebastian’s drenched undershirt clinging onto his body. The maid bowed, excusing herself as if sensing the two would want to be left alone.

  “Sebastian, where have you been?” The Queen flicked her fan open, letting a morning breeze brush her face.

  He stopped on his tracks, giving appropriate distance from his mother. “I went out early to train, Mother.” He bowed at her.

  “Well, no wonder—” she waved her fan at him as though to emphasize his appearance—

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  “you are soaked, go now and take a bath, you should prepare yourself for the party this afternoon.”

  Sebastian has a knack for making his mother uncomfortable, despite being an obedient child. He enjoys observing the varied reactions from people who hold expectations of him.

  “Yes, Mother.” He smirked as he slowly approached the Queen with his arms open.

  “Don’t you dare, young man.” She glared at him, not finding it amusing. Sebastian came to a halt, a hearty laugh escaping him as he casually strolled past her.

  Queen Vivian, born to nobility, enjoyed a life of luxury. Despite this, a desire for freedom overshadowed her role as a mother, neglecting young Prince Sebastian and sparking a rebellious streak in him. This has strained their mother-son relationship.

  ***

  As the entire castle bustled with activity, maids and butlers engaged in setting up tables, chairs, and decorations for the event.

  Amidst the organized chaos, there was a momentary pause, a collective cessation of their tasks, as they caught a glimpse of the prince playing the piano in the room just before the entrance to the garden. The enchanting melody resonated, momentarily diverting attention from the preparations to appreciate the musical interlude.

  His fingers glided effortlessly over the ivory keys, a demonstration to the musical skill beyond his years. At the tender age of sixteen, Prince Sebastian had already achieved a level of accomplishment befitting his royal lineage.

  The delicate melody that emanated from the piano painted a portrait of a young prodigy immersed in the artistry of music. Once the final note dispersed into the air, applause resonated through the halls of the castle.

  “Bravo!”

  “My Prince!”

  “Marvelous!”

  Prince Sebastian, draped in a tailored jacket that accentuated his regal stature, gracefully paired with impeccably fitted trousers and polished leather shoes, acknowledged the delighted audience with a bow. As the applause echoed through the grand halls, he made a refined exit, headed towards the library situated on the second floor of the castle.

  With the royal tea party scheduled to commence in the next hour, he seized this moment to immerse himself in literature, browsing through the extensive collection of books that lined the library shelves.

  ***

  Later in the afternoon, as the welcoming of guests unfolded and his mother was engrossed in her hosting duties, a fleeting moment presented itself. Seizing the opportunity, he discreetly slipped past the bustling crowd and made his way to the labyrinth, seeking a brief rest from the social affairs within the enchanting maze of foliage.

  Sebastian sought refuge beneath the shade of the ancient oak. With a book about the history of neighboring kingdoms in hand, he read eagerly. The painted scenery within the pages transported him to realms he could only imagine.

  While immersed in the book, turning its pages one by one, a soft warm breeze ruffled his hair, and he heard the leaves above swayed with the wind. Lost in thoughts, he hummed the tunes from his piano performance earlier.

  But Sebastian's solitude was soon interrupted by the soft rustle of leaves against a pair of soiled heels. As he looked up, squinting against the sunlight, he found a pair of inquisitive blue eyes—their gaze met, as her eyes wandered at him, so did his—an interesting connection forming beneath the old oak tree.

  He took notice of the subtle blush that adorned her cheeks, a delicate rosy hue against her fair skin. The exertion of the labyrinth's twists and turns had given beads of sweat on her forehead. Her platinum blonde hair, catching the sunlight, framing her features in a radiant halo.

  Her pink lips parted to utter.