Leandro was about to leave. He had extended his stay in Rome longer than planned, enjoying the company of Priscilla and her family, but he didn't want to worry his mother, who was waiting for him in distant lands.

  He spent his last morning in the kingdom with Priscilla, the queen and Maximo. During that time, several single ladies looked at him with interest, hoping he would court them, but their enthusiasm faded when they discovered he was not royalty. However, for Leander, that morning was a warm and almost familiar time, full of laughter, promises and shared anecdotes.

  The ship that would take him back would set sail at four in the afternoon. When the clock struck one, Máximo said goodbye to have lunch with his family, assuring them that he would be at the port to see him off. Priscila and Leandro, meanwhile, stayed in the library, making the most of their last moments together.

  —If I give you some books, would you read them? — asked Priscila with a mixture of enthusiasm and curiosity.

  —Of course, I'll make time to read them. Feel privileged; I don't usually read much, apart from the newspaper. — replied Leandro, smiling and making his sister laugh.

  Priscila stood up, carefully searching the shelves.

  —I'm a fan of fiction, of fantasy. So... — she began, carefully selecting five books that she considered essential for her brother.

  With a smile, she began to explain the plots.

  —This one is called The Crown of the Lost Dawn. It's about a young prince exiled after a coup d'état who discovers an ancient magical artifact that grants powers to whoever is worthy of wearing it.

  Leandro nodded, listening with interest.

  —Oh, and here's The Hunters of the Eternal Labyrinth. It's about a group of warriors trapped in a labyrinth full of deadly traps and magical creatures. I don't want to tell you more, because it would ruin everything. —

  —Understood. — Leandro replied with a smile.

  —Next, The Canticle of the Stars. It's an epic about a bard who receives a celestial instrument capable of healing hearts and controlling storms.

  Priscila showed him the next book with a special sparkle in her eyes.

  —The Crystal Lion. — is my favorite. It tells the unlikely friendship between an exiled sorceress and an enchanted lion made of living crystal. Together they must recover a stolen scroll that could unleash chaos on the world.

  —A lady and a lion. That is fantasy. — said Leandro, laughing again.

  —Finally, The Shadow Garden. It's about a disgraced nobleman who inherits a magical garden capable of granting wishes, but each one comes with a price. As he uses the garden, he discovers dark secrets about his lineage and the reason for his downfall.

  As Priscilla spoke, Leandro listened with fascination. He was caught up in the passion with which she described the books, and couldn't help but make a mental note of each one.

  —I'm going to start with The Hunters of the Eternal Labyrinth. It looks exciting. — he said, flipping through the pages of the book.

  —It'll grab you from the start. — Priscilla assured her with a smile. — Just promise me you'll return them when you're done.

  —I promise, although it might take a while. I'm not that fast a reader.

  —It doesn't matter. The important thing is that you enjoy them.

  They both laughed before hearing the call for lunch. Although saying goodbye was inevitable, this little exchange was etched in both their memories as a special moment between siblings. Lunch took place in a warm atmosphere but with inevitable touches of melancholy. Leandro's departure was approaching, and everyone felt it, although they tried to keep the conversation light. At the table, the queen proposed something that sparked a flash of excitement in Priscila's eyes.

  —Leandro, you could come back soon, perhaps to celebrate both of our birthdays. — suggested the queen with a warm smile. —It would be a perfect occasion to meet again.

  —It's true, our dates are only a day apart. That would be a great idea! — Priscila intervened enthusiastically, already imagining the celebration.

  Leandro, although grateful, seemed thoughtful.

  —I appreciate the invitation, your majesty, but I don't know if my mother would be willing to come. Although she works as a dressmaker for nobles and is familiar with court life, she prefers to stay away from balls and formal gatherings.

  Priscila laughed, trying to lighten the mood.

  —I wish I could do the same.

  The queen smiled too.

  —Anyway, give it a try. If you change your mind, our doors will be open to both of you. I'm sure you'd enjoy staying here.

  Leandro nodded, grateful for the hospitality and warmth they had offered him during his stay. Despite the relaxed tone, everyone knew that their time was limited. At 3:20, lunch ended, and they set off for the port.

  The walk to the port was peaceful, marked by knowing glances and gentle smiles between Priscila and Leandro. The carriage advanced along the cobblestones while Leandro firmly held a small suitcase with his belongings and the bag with the books that Priscila had given him that same morning. Although words were few, the silence was full of meaning.

  When they arrived at the port, Máximo was already waiting for them, impeccable as always. His elegant posture and cordial smile were as constant as his punctuality.

  —Leandro, my friend. — said Máximo, extending his hand in a firm greeting. —We'll miss you around here.

  Leandro returned the gesture with equal warmth.

  —Believe me, I'll miss you too. But this isn't goodbye, it's 'see you soon'. We'll see each other sooner than you think.

  The queen, who had been watching, approached with a serene gesture and offered him a gentle hug.

  —It was a real pleasure to meet you, Leo. You are always welcome here, and I hope that next time you can come with your mother.

  Leandro nodded, visibly moved by the queen's words. Finally, he turned his gaze to Priscila. She didn't wait for an invitation and threw herself into his arms, embracing him with a force that seemed to contain all the words she hadn't been able to say.

  —Maximo, let's give them a moment. — suggested the queen, taking him for a walk in the surrounding area.

  Priscila and Leandro remained embraced for several seconds before separating slightly, although their hands remained joined.

  —I'm going to miss you so much. — said Priscila, her voice barely a whisper.

  —Me too, Pri. But I'll keep in touch. I'll write to you every time I find something new about our father. — Leandro promised, trying to keep his voice steady.

  Priscila nodded, with a determined gleam in her eyes.

  —And I'll make sure to send you money if you need it. Also... — she paused and pointed to a servant approaching with a medium-sized box.

  Leandro watched her curiously as she handed it to him.

  —Here are some things that belonged to our father. Photos, his personal effects and one of his logbooks. I hope they serve as inspiration for you or simply as a reminder of us.

  Leandro opened the box carefully and looked through the contents.

  There were family portraits of Magnus with Priscilla as a child, some personal items that evoked a solemn air and a logbook that seemed to have been written in the last years of his life.

  —This is incredible, Pri. Thank you... Really, thank you.

  The sound of the boat announcing its departure broke the moment.

  —It's time to go. — said Leandro with a sigh.

  —See you soon, Leo. — replied Priscila, with a mixture of sadness and hope in her voice.

  —See you soon, Pri.

  They both waved goodbye and Leandro began to board the ship. From the dock, Priscilla watched him climb aboard. At her side, the queen and Máximo returned just in time to see him off.

  As the boat slowly pulled away, Priscilla stood there, watching Leander become a distant figure on the horizon. Although she knew she would miss him, she also felt that her bond with him had been strengthened beyond the distance. The promises made that day resonated in her heart, and she looked forward to the moment when they would meet again.

  The boat receded until it became a blur on the horizon. Priscilla stood watching it with a heavy heart until a gentle hand touched her shoulder. It was the queen, who looked at her tenderly.

  —My child, tomorrow is Brionne's wedding. You need to go and get your bridesmaid's dress.

  Priscila blinked, slowly returning to reality. Her eyes were slightly red from tears she had tried to hide.

  —Right... — she replied in a low voice, wiping her cheeks surreptitiously.

  Máximo, always attentive, intervened with a friendly smile.

  —If I may, I could accompany you. It's not every day that a dress is chosen for such a special occasion.

  The queen nodded enthusiastically.

  —That would be a wonderful idea, Máximo. What do you say, my child?

  Priscila, grateful for the change of subject that lightened the atmosphere, smiled slightly.

  —Of course, it would be a pleasure. Although we'll see if you have good taste in fashion, eh? — she joked, raising an eyebrow as she looked at him.

  Maxim laughed, accepting the challenge with elegance.

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  Without further ado, the three of them made their way to the carriage waiting by the quay. The guards helped the queen up first, followed by Priscilla and Maxim. During the journey to the royal dressmaker's, the atmosphere lightened, with Maximo making witty comments about possible choices of colors and styles, drawing laughter from both of them.

  The port and its farewells were left behind, while Rome continued with its usual bustle, and life moved on to the next celebration.

  Upon arriving at the dressmaker's, the small bell above the door tinkled, and a petite woman with her hair pulled back in an intricate bun and nimble hands came out to greet them with a smile. The dressmaker was known for her attention to detail and her ability to capture the essence of each client, and upon seeing Priscilla, her eyes lit up.

  —Ah, Princess Priscilla! Welcome. I have prepared some designs especially for you. This pale pink, with floral details, following the code that Miss Brionne gave me, I think will be perfect for the occasion. — she said, leading them to a private room adorned with tall mirrors and carefully hung fabrics.

  Priscila took a seat while the dressmaker displayed the dresses one by one. Máximo and the queen settled down on a nearby sofa, watching as the carefully crafted pieces were revealed.

  The first design was a princess cut dress. The fitted bodice was decorated with delicate rose gold floral embroidery, which seemed to climb like vines towards the shoulders. The skirt was made up of layers of light tulle that opened up into a soft volume, creating an ethereal effect with every movement. The sleeves, small and rounded, fell just over the shoulders, leaving a heart-shaped neckline that highlighted Priscila's elegance. When she tried it on, the skirt moved with a special grace, but she wasn't completely convinced by the volume.

  —It's beautiful, but I'm not sure it's exactly what I'm looking for. — she said, twirling in front of the mirror.

  Máximo couldn't take his eyes off her. Despite her comment, he thought that even that dress seemed made for her, enhancing her figure in a subtle and delicate way.

  The next design was completely different: a mermaid-style dress. This model hugged her figure from the torso to the knees, where the fabric opened into a light but striking train. Floral embroidery ran diagonally across the dress, from one shoulder to the hem, creating an asymmetrical design that highlighted the silhouette. The satin fabric shimmered in the light, and small crystals scattered throughout the dress gave the impression of dewdrops in the early morning.

  —It's very elegant, but perhaps a little tight for dancing comfortably. — she said, lifting the train of the dress as she laughed.

  Maximo was still enthralled, watching how the satin clung to her figure naturally. In his mind, he thought: ”She could wear anything and still be the most beautiful person in the room"

  The last dress was different from the previous ones, and as soon as she saw it, Priscilla seemed to light up. It was an empire-waist dress, with a soft and flowing drape that followed her every movement with grace. The square neckline gave it a classic air, while the long, translucent sleeves ended in small cuffs decorated with delicate bows. The embroidered flowers, in shades of pink and beige, looked hand-painted, and the floral design began at the neckline and flowed down to the skirt, which fell elegantly to the floor.

  Priscila turned in front of the mirror, watching the fabric flow like water.

  —This is... perfect. I love simplicity, but also details. It's just what I was looking for. — she said with a big smile.

  Maximo, who had remained silent, couldn't help but be fascinated. ‘It's as if I were seeing a moving painting, something that no painter could ever fully capture,’ he thought, and without realizing it, he smiled to himself.

  When Priscilla turned to him looking for his opinion, Max realized that he had been lost in thought.

  —What do you think, Max? — she asked, her cheeks slightly flushed with emotion.

  He swallowed hard and tried to speak calmly, but he couldn't hide the sparkle in his eyes.

  —It's... beautiful. I mean, you make it beautiful. — he replied, realizing that he had said more than he should have. He looked away, trying to hide his nervousness.

  Priscila let out a soft laugh, and the queen nodded in satisfaction.

  —Without a doubt, he's the one. You'll look radiant tomorrow, my girl. — said the queen, looking at her proudly.

  The seamstress came over to adjust some details of the dress and take note of the final measurements. Meanwhile, Maximo was trying to regain his composure, but he couldn't help but glance at Priscilla, who seemed to be radiating a special light at that moment.

  —What would we do without you, Maximo? You always have a kind word. — Priscilla said jokingly, but with a sincere smile.

  —I'm only telling the truth. — he replied, shrugging his shoulders, although his gaze betrayed him.

  With the dress selected, the dressmaker promised to have it ready for the wedding the following day. As they left the shop, Priscilla wore a smile of satisfaction, while

  Maximo tried to process what he had just experienced, still with the image of her etched in his mind.

  Without further delay, the dress was carefully packed and sent to the palace in a special carriage, making sure it arrived in perfect condition. Meanwhile, the next stop for Priscilla, Maximo and the queen was the royal family's trusted jeweler.

  The boutique, located in a quiet corner of the city, radiated luxury. The glass display cases exhibited necklaces, earrings and rings that seemed to shine with a light of their own. The queen, with her elegant bearing, was the first to be received by the owner, an elderly man with refined manners who bowed slightly at the sight of her.

  —Your Majesty, what an honor to have you here again. And, of course, Princess Priscilla. How can I help you today?

  The queen explained the wedding rules in detail: the floral elements should be soft, delicate and in pastel shades. The jeweler nodded enthusiastically and disappeared for a moment to bring back a special selection.

  —I think these pieces will be perfect for the occasion. — he said on his return, placing several trays on the main table. There were necklaces with small pink sapphire petals, flower-shaped earrings made of pearls, and bracelets adorned with light emeralds imitating leaves.

  Priscila began to look closely at the jewelry.

  A rose gold necklace with a lotus flower pendant. Each petal was made of rose quartz, and a tiny diamond sparkled in the center. It was simple but striking, and Priscila held it against her neck, looking at her reflection in the mirror.

  —It's beautiful, but I think I'm looking for something lighter. — she said, returning the necklace to the tray.

  Earrings in the shape of daisies made of white pearls and yellow topaz. They were delicate and perfect for the floral theme of the wedding, but Priscilla felt that they did not completely match the dress she had chosen.

  Finally, her eyes fell on a set that included a necklace, earrings and a bracelet. The design was inspired by branches of cherry blossoms, with small sapphire flowers and pale emerald leaves. Priscilla tried it on and smiled broadly.

  —This one is perfect. It matches the dress and the theme of the wedding perfectly. — she said enthusiastically, turning slightly so that the queen and Maximo could see her.

  —It's a wonderful choice, my child. Delicate, but elegant. —replied the queen, nodding approvingly.

  While the jeweler prepared the pieces for packaging, Priscilla continued to look at the display cases, her gaze caught by a small ring that gleamed in the corner. It was simple, but charming: a band of white gold with a delicate design of engraved flowers around a tiny pink sapphire in the center.

  —This ring is beautiful. — Priscilla murmured, almost to herself, but loud enough for Maximo to hear.

  Without saying anything, Maximo approached, took the ring and examined it briefly before turning to Priscilla.

  —Let me see how it looks on you. — he said with a gentle smile, but with a slight touch of nervousness in his voice.

  Priscila automatically raised her hand, without thinking too much about what was happening. Carefully, Máximo slipped the ring on the ring finger of her right hand. At that moment, the atmosphere seemed to come to a standstill.

  Priscila looked up, surprised by the gesture. Máximo's eyes shone with something indescribable, and a slight tension filled the air between them. The queen, realizing the moment, let out a slight clearing of the throat, but neither Priscila nor Máximo seemed to notice.

  —It fits... perfectly. — said Máximo, almost in a whisper, without taking his eyes off her.

  Priscila, aware of the intensity of the moment, tried to break the silence with a nervous laugh.

  —Well, I hope nobody misunderstands. I don't think it's the right finger for this kind of thing. — she said, gently taking out the ring and putting it back in the display case.

  Maximo, realizing what he had done, put his hand to his neck, visibly uncomfortable.

  —I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. — he apologized.

  —You didn't, don't worry. — she replied, with a warm smile that helped to dispel the tension.

  The queen, for her part, decided to intervene before the moment went on too long.

  —I think we have everything we need. Let's go and get the shoes. — she said in a firm but friendly tone.

  Priscila nodded and, after paying for and locking up the jewelry, they all made their way to the carriage. Although the moment for the ring had passed, the memory remained etched in their minds, especially in Máximo's, who couldn't stop thinking about how natural the moment had felt.

  As they left the jewelry store, the cool evening air gave them a quiet welcome, but before they could get too far away, one of the queen's servants quickly approached, with an expression of embarrassment on his face.

  —Your Majesty, a brief meeting that was pending. — the servant informed, bowing slightly.

  The queen nodded with a slight smile and turned to Máximo and Priscila.

  —Oh, of course. Thank you. — she said, addressing Máximo first and then Priscila. — I have a meeting with some advisors. Maximo, would you mind accompanying Priscila for the shoes? And by the way, afterwards you are a free man to do whatever you wish. I have already seen that you have good taste.

  Maximo, with his usual courtesy, replied immediately.

  —How could I say no to you, Your Majesty? — he said with a smile, somewhat ironic, but always respectful.

  The queen let out a little laugh, her voice full of complicity.

  —Always so loyal. I'll be off then, be good, eh? — she joked, as she began to walk away towards the entrance of the meeting.

  Priscila and Máximo watched her leave before getting into the carriage once more, heading for the shoe shop.

  The atmosphere in the carriage was more relaxed now, with the queen out of the picture. The trip to the shoe shop was uneventful, but the fact that it was just the two of them gave way to a slight uneasiness that settled between them. Despite their mutual fondness for each other, the conversation remained on a friendly and casual level.

  —How's it going with the wedding? — asked Max as he looked out of the window.

  —All good. I'm excited to see how the whole event turns out. I like the floral theme, everything is being done with such care, like a dream. — Priscilla smiled, remembering the whole process. But in the end, her thoughts returned to the wedding itself.

  —It's sure to be an impressive celebration. — said Máximo, nodding. He remained silent for a moment before adding, —Anyway, the shoes are crucial. Nothing worse than feeling like you can't move gracefully in your dress because of the heels.

  Priscila let out a light laugh, amused by the comment.

  —Oh, don't tell me! The last time I tried to walk in high heels, I almost fell in the middle of a royal party.

  But well, everything for the sake of aesthetics.

  Máximo laughed with her, enjoying the lighthearted moment before arriving at the shop. When the carriage finally stopped in front of the shoe boutique, the elegant haute couture shop, Priscila already knew what she wanted: delicate but practical heels that would match her dress without sacrificing comfort.

  Upon entering, the shop assistant, who was waiting for them with a smile, quickly presented them with a selection of heels that seemed to be made especially for the wedding.

  Priscila looked at the options carefully. She approached a shelf full of shoes of different heights and styles, but quickly settled on a pair of heels in a soft shade of pastel pink, almost the same color as her dress. The design was elegant, with hand-embroidered floral lace details on the satin, and slightly pointed toes for a sophisticated touch.

  —These are perfect. Exactly what I wanted. — she said, trying on the shoes and walking a few steps in them.

  Máximo watched as she moved gracefully, evaluating the footwear.

  — They're definitely perfect for you. — he said, with a smile that reflected a genuine appreciation for his friend's style. However, he couldn't help but look at her with a certain admiration, thinking how good she looked in them.

  The shop staff quickly packed up the shoes and handed them to Priscilla, who then carefully placed them in her bag. She realized that, although the whole shopping process had been quick and efficient, something inside her made her feel a slight emptiness. Despite the speed with which she moved, something in her heart felt intricately slow.

  Saying goodbye to Maximo at the exit of the shoe shop, Priscilla felt a slight heaviness in her chest, as if the day had been longer than it really had been. Maximo, with his usual friendliness, had accompanied her throughout the entire shopping process, but something in the air between them had changed slightly. It wasn't exactly uncomfortable, but there was a different energy, something more charged that couldn't be defined with words. In the end, they said goodbye with a simple “see you tomorrow” and Priscilla, although grateful, couldn't help but think about the strange feeling that was taking hold of her.

  The carriage took her back to the palace, where the last part of the day awaited her. On arrival, she set about organizing everything for the wedding the following day, checking that everything was in place: her dress, the jewelry, the shoes... everything had to be perfect. As she did so, her mind wandered, part of her wanted to rest from all the hustle and bustle, but another part was still busy with thoughts about the near future, the promises of reunion and what tomorrow really meant.

  It was strange, because despite being surrounded by luxury and planning, she felt as if something were out of place. When she finished organizing everything, she felt tired, but somehow empty. She wasn't hungry, so she decided not to have dinner that night, even though the table was set for her. Instead, she retired to her rooms.

  She went to bed early, hoping that rest would bring her relief, but peace never came. Her mind was occupied by a tangle of thoughts, memories, and of course, Leandro's departure. Although he had left, a persistent feeling of uneasiness kept her awake. She tossed and turned in bed, looking at the ceiling, listening to the soft sound of the night filtering in through the half-open window.

  Something inside her wouldn't let her sleep, as if something were incomplete. The feeling of not having fully closed a chapter kept her alert, and the stillness of the night only amplified that discomfort. She thought of Leandro, of the promises in letters and of the memories she now carried with her in a small box. But even so, part of her wished things were different, that everything were simpler.

  Finally, she fell asleep late in the morning, but the sleep was not restful. Thoughts continued to haunt her mind, making rest more of a consolation than a true release.

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