The night passed quietly in Brionne's room, where the atmosphere was full of laughter and confidences, as if no time had passed since their last meeting. Both were wearing identical pyjamas, adorned with small floral embroideries, a gesture that demonstrated the connection and complicity between them. The bedside table was covered with sandwiches: fruit, sweets, and a jug of fresh juice.

  Brionne settled back in bed, looking at Priscila with an expression that was a mixture of emotion and nervousness.

  —I have some very good news for you. — she announced, her voice full of expectation.

  Priscila raised an eyebrow, putting her glass of juice to one side.

  —Oh, it sounds suspenseful.

  Brionne took a deep breath, as if she needed to gather up the courage to let it out.

  —I'm engaged.

  Priscila's reaction was immediate. She jumped up on the bed, completely forgetting about her drink, and enthusiastically took her friend's hands.

  —Brionne, congratulations! To whom?

  Brionne smiled broadly, blush staining her cheeks.

  —With Lord Erik. Do you remember I mentioned to you that we had a very good connection? Well, we spent a few days on the coast with his family, and... — She paused, as if she still couldn't believe it. —He proposed to me. It was by the lake, he gave me the ring inside my favorite flower, a magnolia.

  Priscila let out a dreamy sigh.

  —That's incredibly romantic. I'm so happy for you, Brionne. And even more so because I know you're getting married for love and not out of obligation.

  The two embraced tightly, a gesture full of affection and unconditional support. Priscilla wished, from the bottom of her heart, that her friend's happiness would last. When they parted, Brionne looked at her with a spark of mischief in her eyes.

  —Well, speaking of love... how about you and Máximo?

  Priscila tensed slightly, but Brionne continued before she could reply.

  —You know how my mother talks to Mrs. Akvis, right? Well, she has mentioned to me several times that Selene has been in a bad mood lately because she sees you with him so much.

  Priscila sighed, dropping her shoulders.

  —We've talked a lot... We connect, you know? But nothing more than that has happened.

  Brionne narrowed her eyes with a mocking smile.

  —You like himmmm.

  Priscila put a hand to her forehead, trying to hide the blush that was starting to rise up her cheeks.

  —I can't deny that I'm attracted to him, but I don't know if I really like him. I don't know if I can define it like that.

  Brionne let out a light laugh.

  —Well, what's for sure is that you've taken some good green wool from Selene. That woman is always so proud and territorial. Tell me, is she still as infuriating as she was when I left?

  Priscila rolled her eyes, laughing in turn.

  —Worse.

  Both of them burst out laughing, letting the warmth of their friendship fill the room. In that moment, there were no titles, responsibilities, or conflicts, just two young women enjoying each other's company and shared secrets.

  Their laughter slowly faded, leaving a comfortable silence as they shared a couple of sandwiches. However, Priscilla began to lose herself in her thoughts, her gaze fixed on an indeterminate point in the room.

  “I can't like him, can I? I'm just attracted to him... It's not the same thing, is it? I'm only attracted to his personality, the way he's so thoughtful. He's kind, he always listens to what I say, and he makes me feel valued. His physique... well, he's handsome, I can't deny that. He likes books, like me. He's so different from other men... (her mind raced, listing more and more details). But that doesn't mean I like him, does it?

  —Pri... — Brionne murmured, leaning towards her. — Pri... iPriscila!

  The scream abruptly brought her out of her reverie, blinking rapidly as she returned to reality.

  —A-Ah... Wh-What happened? — she stammered, trying to hide her nervousness.

  If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

  Brionne looked at her with a mixture of curiosity and amusement.

  —You were quiet for a long time, is something wrong?

  Priscila waved a hand in the air, as if to dispel any concerns.

  —Oh, no, it's nothing.

  Brionne narrowed her eyes, not completely convinced.

  —Hm... Are you sure?

  Priscila nodded quickly, although she avoided eye contact.

  —Yes, sure. I just... got distracted.

  Brionne watched her friend for a few more seconds, then smiled mischievously.

  —All right, I'll let it go. But if you get distracted like that again while we're talking about Máximo... well, things will be pretty clear.

  Priscila sighed and took a sip of juice, doing her best to ignore the blush rising to her cheeks. Brionne, satisfied with her comment, changed the subject, although the amused smile on her face made it clear that she would not forget that conversation easily.

  Brionne decided not to press the issue any further, although her teasing gaze said that she would not let the conversation pass completely. She changed position, crossing her legs on the bed as she picked up a sweet from the tray.

  —Well, leaving Maximo aside... how have you been? How are things at the palace? — she asked in a more relaxed tone.

  Priscila was grateful for the change of subject and settled back in bed, also having a sandwich.

  —It's been a bit chaotic, to be honest. My grandmother has been very focused on Leandro since he arrived. She wants to know everything about my father, which I understand, but I don't want her to overwhelm him. We're just starting to get to know each other, and I don't want her to feel like she has to answer all her questions to fit in.

  Brionne nodded, understanding.

  —Well, at least you have something new in your life. I mean, finding out you have a brother isn't something that happens every day. How do you get along with him?

  Priscila smiled slightly.

  —Well, actually. He's... different, but in a nice way. He's calm, honest, and I like that he doesn't try to force a connection. He told me he loves horses, and he even promised to teach me to play soccer one day.

  Brionne laughed softly.

  —Soccer? You? I want to see that.

  —Don't make fun. — said Priscilla, laughing too. — But yes, I'm glad he's arrived. Although I still feel there's so much I don't know about him...

  Brionne looked at her with a warm gaze.

  —I'm sure you'll find out in time. It all sounds like a good change for you, Pri. Sometimes I feel like you're carrying the weight of the whole palace on your shoulders.

  Priscila sighed, letting her head fall against the back of the bed.

  —Sometimes I feel that way too. But at least I have people like you who remind me how to enjoy the little things.

  Brionne gave her a gentle tap on the arm.

  —I'll always be here to remind you. Now, do you want to play something or shall we keep talking?

  Priscila smiled, feeling lighter than before.

  —Let's keep talking. I like this.

  They continued chatting, sharing anecdotes, laughter and secrets until the night wore on. By now, Priscilla was neither a princess with responsibilities nor a young woman trying to figure out her feelings, but simply a friend enjoying a quiet and happy evening.

  The next day, Priscilla got up early, feeling a mixture of emotions that always accompanied her whenever she planned to escape her fencing training. That particular day, she was lucky that the queen would not return until the evening, which gave her enough time to devote herself to what she loved so much. She finished her breakfast quickly, making sure that everything looked normal before discreetly excusing herself and gathering her things.

  The journey to the neighborhood where the small practice hall was located always gave her a feeling of freedom. The quiet streets, far from the hustle and bustle of the palace, allowed her to forget her title and the constant expectations for a while. Upon arrival, her mentor, an older man with gray hair and a firm voice, greeted her with a mixture of enthusiasm and reproach.

  —Laurent! I thought you had given up the foil.

  Although he was smiling, his tone reflected a slight disappointment.

  Priscila took off the hat she was wearing to cover herself and smiled back at him with a touch of guilt.

  —I'm sorry, sir. I couldn't come to the last class... family matters. — It was a half-truth; Leandro's arrival and the chaos it brought had taken up all her time.

  Her mentor nodded, although his eyes showed that he was not completely convinced.

  —I understand, but you can't miss any more. There's a competition tomorrow, and I want you to take part.

  Priscila looked at him in surprise.

  —Tomorrow? — she repeated, feeling the nervousness creep into her voice.

  —Yes, tomorrow. It's an opportunity for you to show your progress and compete with swordsmen of your level.

  —I don't know if I can... — Priscilla muttered, looking away.

  The idea of appearing in a public event was exciting, but also terrifying. What if someone recognized her? What if her grandmother found out?

  Her mentor raised an eyebrow, noticing her concern.

  —Don't let the nerves get to you, Laurent. You have talent, and it would be a shame if you didn't show it. Now, go train.

  The man left without giving her a chance to reply. Priscilla sighed deeply, clutching her foil in her hands.

  —What am I going to do tomorrow?

  She walked to the practice area with heavy steps. Every movement she made during training seemed to reflect her inner conflict. Every lunge, every block was fraught with doubt. “What if someone from the palace attends? What if they find out who I am? But... what if I never get another chance like this?”

  Time passed more quickly than she expected. At the end of the training session, her mentor called her to remind her of the time and place of the competition.

  —I trust you, Laurent. We'll see each other tomorrow.

  Priscila nodded weakly before saying goodbye. On the way back to the palace, the conflict in her mind only intensified. Her life was divided between two worlds: that of the princess that everyone knew and that of the passionate swordswoman that nobody saw.

  On arrival, she took off her gloves and carefully hid her mask and foil in the secret compartment of her wardrobe. She stared at her reflection in the mirror, her cheeks still flushed from the physical exertion.

  —What am I going to do? Do I choose to follow my passions and risk everything going wrong, or do I keep the security of my life in the palace? It shouldn't be that difficult, should it? But it is.

  She put her hand to her face, trying to clear her mind, but the doubts were still there, weighing on her like a sword on the verge of falling.

  —Maybe... maybe I can do both... — she murmured to herself, although she wasn't sure she believed it.

  As she changed to return to her duties as a princess, she couldn't help wondering how much longer she could maintain this balance between two lives. But now, what tormented her most was the question she kept asking herself: ”What am I going to do tomorrow?”