The sun rose gently over the palace towers, filling the royal gardens with golden light. Priscilla and Leander walked slowly along the paths of roses and lilies, with timid curiosity in their eyes. The princess kept her hands crossed in front of her, while Leander, somewhat awkwardly, tried not to fall too far behind.

  —Have you always lived here? — he asked, breaking the silence.

  —Yes, this palace has been my home since I was born. — replied Priscilla, casting a brief glance at the imposing marble columns. — Although... in recent years it has felt more like a prison.

  Leandro nodded, sensing the melancholy in her voice.

  — It's funny. — he said after a moment. —I grew up in a small village in the north. I never imagined I could have a connection to this place.

  —What do you remember about our father? — Priscilla asked, stopping next to a fountain whose crystal clear waters reflected the sky.

  —Not much, really. — he admitted, sitting on the edge of the fountain. — My mother never talked about my father. She only said he was a man of honor, someone who lived to see the world. But I always felt there was something she wasn't telling me.

  Priscila sat down next to him, playing with a rose petal that had fallen into the water.

  —I didn't know you existed either. My father... — her voice broke slightly at the mention of her father — Was always a mystery, even to me. He seemed to bear the weight of something he never wanted to share.

  For a moment, they were both silent, immersed in thoughts about a man who united and separated them at the same time.

  Then Leandro got up with a slight smile.

  —And what about you? — he asked, trying to lighten the mood. — What does a princess do when she's not attending to royal business?

  Priscila laughed softly. — Do you want the truth? I escape.

  —You escape?

  —Yes. Sometimes I go to the market, I mingle with the people. It's the only way I feel... normal.

  —And nobody recognizes you?

  She shrugged. — I put on a cape, I lower my gaze. Most of the time it works. Although the last time I ended up helping an old lady sell her vegetables, and... well, let's just say my grandmother wasn't very happy.

  Leandro laughed, imagining her in that situation.

  —Maybe one day you'll take me with you. I'd like to see what that other side of your world is like.

  —Is that an invitation or a challenge? — she replied, with an arched eyebrow.

  —Both, perhaps.

  The initial tension between them began to dissipate. As the day progressed, they walked through the vineyards, visited the palace library, where Priscilla showed him old maps and books, and finally ended up in the music room.

  Priscila picked up a lyre and played a gentle melody.

  —Do you play anything? — she asked, tilting her head towards him.

  Leandro shook his head.

  —No, but... I can try.

  She laughed and handed him the lyre. Although his first attempts were clumsy, the sound of their laughter filled the room, dispelling any shadow of discomfort between them.

  —Would you like to go to the park for a walk and get some air?

  Leandro nodded, putting the lyre aside.

  The royal park was a quiet corner, where ancient trees formed a canopy of green leaves that protected passers-by from the sun. Priscilla and Leandro walked together, enjoying the gentle breeze that carried the scent of wildflowers.

  Leandro pointed to a group of birds chirping at the top of an elm tree.

  —In my village, we used to believe that birds carry messages between the gods and men. Every time I saw one, I wondered if it had something to tell me.

  —And now? — Priscila asked curiously.

  —Now I think that if that were true, they would surely have had a lot of work with me.

  Priscila laughed sincerely, but before replying, she noticed a familiar figure in the distance. Máximo was standing by a fountain, apparently lost in thought, although his eyes did not stop following the princess and her companion.

  Since Priscilla had arrived at the park, Maximo had felt a prickle of discomfort in his chest. He had grown up with the certainty that Priscilla was unique, someone only he truly understood. But now there was this strange young man at her side, sharing laughter and gestures of trust.

  Who could he be? he thought, crossing his arms as he watched them. There was something in the way that man moved, a confidence that was annoying. And Priscilla? She seemed relaxed, even happy. A part of him felt uncomfortable with that closeness.

  Priscila saw him and, with a smile, waved at him.

  —Come. I want you to meet someone.

  He approached, Maximo was still frowning slightly, trying hard to hide his thoughts.

  —Maximo, this is Leandro. He's... my half-brother.

  For a moment, Maximo stood motionless. His mind quickly went over the words “brother” and “half”, and he felt a mixture of relief and embarrassment. Had he been jealous?

  —Brother? — he asked, his tone carefully neutral as he looked at Leandro.

  —Yes. — Leandro replied, holding out his hand. — It's a pleasure to meet you.

  Máximo accepted the handshake, feeling foolish for his earlier thoughts.

  —I'm sorry, I didn't know. — he said, trying hard to sound friendly. — Welcome, then.

  —I'm sorry if it sounds forward, but... are you two a couple?

  The question hit the three of them like a bolt of lightning. Priscila opened her eyes in disbelief, while a slight laugh escaped Máximo. Almost immediately, however, he tried hard to hide it, feeling a slight warmth rise in his cheeks.

  Priscila felt that the comment had given her an unexpected slap in the face. Not because it was true, but because, for a second, she imagined how it might look from the outside: she and Máximo had shared so many moments that were so....close that, perhaps, that closeness could be misinterpreted. But that wasn't it, was it? She shook her head to put those thoughts aside.

  Maximo, for his part, felt an uncomfortable tingling in his chest. Why had the idea made him laugh first, and then feel strange? He wasn't sure if it was because the stranger had perceived something non-existent, or because the question had raised a scenario he had never dared to consider. He cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure.

  —No, we're not. — he replied in a dry tone, although a slight hesitation was still perceptible in his voice.

  Leandro shrugged, not noticing the subtle change in their expressions.

  —Oh, I'm sorry, I guessed from the way you were looking at each other before. — he said with disarming sincerity, as if he had made a simple observation about the weather.

  Priscila rolled her eyes, trying to change the subject. However, her mind was still caught up in Leandro's words. How exactly had she seen them? Was there something in the way Máximo looked at her that she hadn't noticed?

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  —Máximo is a good friend. — she clarified in a tone that sought to close the subject. — It has nothing to do with that.

  Máximo folded his arms, still feeling the slight blush on her face. He decided it was best to regain control of the conversation.

  —Well, it's a pleasure to meet you, Leandro. — he said, trying hard to sound more relaxed. Then, he added with a slight smile. — Priscila and I spend a lot of time together reading, so I hope I'll share that honor with you now.

  Leandro looked at him, with a calm but serious expression, before returning his smile.

  —I hope so, I'm not the best reader but I like to learn new things. — he replied in a light tone, although his eyes seemed to be evaluating Máximo with some interest.

  As the three of them began to walk together, the atmosphere, which had initially become tense, began to relax. But, although it was not said out loud, both Priscila and Máximo found themselves dealing with persistent thoughts.

  Max looked sideways at Leandro, analyzing his every word and gesture. There was something about the way he spoke, the way Priscila treated him, that made him uneasy. “He's her brother.” he reminded himself. And yet he couldn't help feeling out of place, as if Leandro were entering a space that until now had been his and his alone.

  Priscila, for her part, was watching both men. Máximo, always so protective, and now Leandro, who seemed determined to become part of her life. She had never considered how she would handle the simultaneous presence of two people who meant so much to her. Although the idea of forming a bond with her brother was exciting, she also noticed Máximo's subtle discomfort.

  —Have you always been so direct? — asked Máximo suddenly, breaking the silence as they made their way towards a clearing.

  Leandro laughed out loud.

  —I guess so. In the village, there's nothing to be gained by beating about the bush.

  —Here, things are usually a little more... subtle. — replied

  Máximo, with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

  Priscila sighed and, with a slight laugh, interrupted them. — Don't worry, you two. I'm sure you'll get along in time.

  Both men were silent for a moment, as if they were considering her words.

  As the day went on, Máximo made an effort to put aside any uncomfortable feelings. Little by little, he began to notice Leandro's authenticity. Although he still felt jealous of Priscila's new connection, he couldn't deny that there was something genuine about the young man that was beginning to disarm his reservations.

  For her part, Priscila watched them both with a mixture of relief and a hint of amusement. Although it had been an unexpected start, she could see how, with time and patience, the two most important men in her life could form a bond that would strengthen them as a family.

  As they walked through the park, the atmosphere began to relax little by little. Priscilla led the way, but soon fell a few steps behind, watching the two men who were now talking to each other.

  —So, Leandro. — Maximo began, trying to keep the conversation flowing. — What did you used to do in your village?

  —Many things, although there was always work to be done with the horses. — replied Leandro, with a smile that revealed his affection for the subject. — My mother and I had some at home. They were part of our daily life, not only as transportation, but as companions.

  Maximo nodded, interested.

  —Horses are magnificent animals. Here at the court there is a royal stable, although I think Priscilla spends more time there than I do.

  Leandro laughed, looking at her sideways.

  —I don't doubt it. Although, to be honest, what I'm really passionate about is football.

  —Football? — asked Máximo, with a mixture of curiosity and surprise.

  — Yes, I used to play in the fields. It wasn't the most organized sport, but we had a lot of fun. What about you? Do you play any sports?

  Maximo smiled, finding common ground.

  —I like to swim. I've always found water to be a perfect escape, a way to clear my mind. I also run from time to time, especially in the mornings.

  Leandro nodded, impressed.

  —It's interesting. Swimming requires a lot of discipline, more than you'd think. And running... well, I used to run along the roads when I had to take or pick up fabrics from my mother.

  Priscila, who had been listening to the conversation, couldn't help but intervene.

  —Máximo also writes. — she said, with a spark of pride in her voice.

  Leandro raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

  —Writing? What kind of things do you write?

  Máximo, somewhat modestly, shrugged his shoulders.

  —A bit of everything. Letters, poems... sometimes just thoughts that I want to organize. Writing helps me understand the world.

  —That sounds interesting. — said Leandro, genuinely. — I've never been good at writing, but I admire those who have that ability.

  —And you? — asked Máximo, feeling that he was beginning to enjoy the conversation. — Are you interested in anything else besides horses and football?

  Leandro put his hand to his chin, thoughtful.

  —I like to hear stories. In the village, when someone came back from a long trip, we would gather around the fire to listen to what they had to say. Maybe that's why I like talking to people so much, you never know what stories you can discover.

  Máximo nodded, recognizing a certain parallel with his own interest in words and narratives.

  —I think understanding stories and writing them are not so far apart. Maybe you have more talent for writing than you think.

  Leandro smiled, grateful for the comment.

  Priscila, a few steps behind them, looked at them with a mixture of pride and joy. She had feared that her brother and her best friend would clash, that their personalities would not find common ground, but there they were, talking as if they had known each other all their lives.

  —They seem to get on well, don't you think? — she finally said, moving a little closer to walk beside him.

  Leandro looked at her and then at Máximo.

  —I guess it's not hard when someone has good friends like you, Priscila.

  Máximo, somewhat more reserved, nodded.

  —I wouldn't say it's easy, but sometimes all it takes is a good conversation.

  Priscila smiled, feeling that, at least for that day, the pieces of her world were beginning to fit together a little better.

  The sun was beginning to hide behind the hills, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple. Priscilla looked into the distance, where the carriage that had come for them was waiting near the entrance to the park.

  —It's time to go. — she said with some regret, turning to Máximo and Leandro.

  Leandro nodded with a smile.

  —It's been a pleasure meeting you, Máximo. I hope we can talk more in the future and maybe go for a run.

  Máximo shook Leandro's hand firmly, his expression serene.

  —Same here. Take care of her, will you?

  Leandro let out a light laugh.

  —I think she could take care of both of us if she wanted to, but I'll do it.

  Priscila rolled her eyes, amused.

  —You two are already talking like you're old friends, let's go.

  Máximo shrugged his shoulders with a gentle smile.

  —Well, see you later, Cil. I hope to see you soon.

  —Of course you Will. — she replied, smiling back.

  Leandro and Priscila got into the carriage, while Máximo watched them leave, his hands in his pockets and a slight melancholy in his gaze.

  Inside the carriage, the sound of the horses' hooves marked a steady rhythm as they moved forward. Leandro, sitting opposite Priscila, seemed to be pondering something. Finally, he broke the silence.

  —Priscila... do you like Máximo?

  The question took her by surprise. She opened her eyes, surprised, and hastened to shake her head. — No! Of course not. He's a good friend, that's all.

  Leandro raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical.

  —Mmh, I'm not so sure. The way you look at him and how you talk about him... The way you both look at each other.

  —He's different. — she interrupted, sighing as she rested her chin on her hand. — Maximo is... I don't know, someone special. Not that I like him in that sense, but...

  Leandro waited patiently for her to continue.

  —I suppose I'm attracted to him, in a way. — she finally admitted, her voice lower. — He's the only company I really enjoy. He's always there, he understands how I feel without me having to say anything and he listens to me, he doesn't seem bothered by the way I am or the way I get on.

  Leandro nodded, but said nothing more, allowing her to reflect on her own words.

  After a moment of silence, Priscilla changed the subject, as if she wanted to shake off the intensity of the moment.

  —Although, speaking of friends, I miss Brionne.

  —Brionne?

  —Yes, my best friend. — A slight smile appeared on his face when he mentioned her. — But I haven't seen her much lately. Her family went on a trip weeks ago, and they don't seem to be in a hurry to come back.

  —Traveling where?

  —To the coast, I think. The climate is milder there. She wrote to me a few days ago, but it's not the same as talking to her in person.

  Leandro watched her, noticing how her gaze was lost in the carriage window.

  —You seem to be surrounded by important people. — he said with a warm smile. — It's good to have friends like them.

  Priscila looked at him, and for the first time, her expression softened completely.

  —Yes, it is. But now I also have my brother.

  Leandro smiled, grateful for her words, as the carriage continued on its way to the palace.

  The carriage arrived at the palace just as the first stars were beginning to appear in the sky. Priscilla got out first, followed by Leandro, who looked at the imposing building with a mixture of awe and respect. Before they could go in, a familiar figure hurried out of the front door.

  —Priscila!

  —Brionne! — exclaimed Priscilla, beaming at the sight of her friend.

  Brionne ran towards her and hugged her tightly.

  —We just got back this afternoon. I couldn't wait to see you.

  —I missed you too. — Priscilla replied with a smile. Then she turned to Leandro, who was watching the scene with curiosity. — Brionne, this is my half-brother, Leandro.

  Brionne's eyes opened in surprise, but she quickly held out her hand with a warm smile.

  —Nice to meet you, Leandro.

  Leandro took her hand and shook it gently.

  —It's a pleasure to meet you.

  Brionne smiled lightly.

  —I can assure you that Priscilla is a great sister, but a bit of a pain.

  Priscila rolled her eyes with amusement.

  —Don't make me look so good, Brionne.

  —You know I'm joking. — She let out a soft laugh. — Oh, and before I forget, I came to invite you to a sleepover tomorrow night. I already spoke to the queen, and she gave me permission to take you with me. — Brionne announced enthusiastically.

  —That sounds amazing. There's so much I need to tell you.

  Before they could say anything else, the queen appeared at the palace entrance, her majestic bearing as ever.

  —I see you're back, Brionne. I hope your trip was pleasant.

  —Yes, your majesty. Thank you for allowing me to visit Priscilla.

  The queen nodded before fixing her gaze on Leandro.

  —Leandro, I'd like to talk to you some more about Magnus. Also, I'd like to show you some parts of the palace. If it's all right with you, Priscilla can stay with Brionne while we talk.

  Priscila looked at her brother, noticing a flash of nervousness on his face.

  —I'll be fine. — Leandro assured her, smiling at her.

  —All right. — she said, although she couldn't help feeling a little twinge of worry.

  The queen extended her arm towards Leandro, inviting him to follow her.

  —Come, Leo. There is much I wish to know from you.

  Leandro nodded, giving Priscilla a last look before following the queen into the palace.

  Brionne, who had remained silent during the exchange, took Priscilla by the arm.

  —Well, it looks like you'll have a free night tomorrow. Ready to catch up?

  —More than ready. — Priscilla replied, although she couldn't help but look towards the door where her grandmother and brother had disappeared, wondering what kind of conversation awaited them.

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