The Return of Prince Erle

Eight Months Ago

The sun hung low on the horizon as Erle, newly graduated from the Knight Academy, stepped into the grand hall of the imperial palace. His boots echoed against the polished marble floors, his heart conflicted between relief and anxiety. Seven long years had passed since he'd last been home.

"Welcome back home, son." The commanding voice of the emperor, his father, rang through the hall. The emperor stood tall, his regal presence filling the room.

"Greetings, Father," Erle replied, bowing deeply. "Your Majesty."

The emperor's stern expression softened. "I'm so glad you're back, my son."

"I'm glad to be back too, Father."

Before Erle could say more, the empress entered, her elegant silhouette framed by the golden light spilling through the palace windows. "Come, have a seat, son," she said, her voice warm but firm. "Your father and I have something important to discuss with you."

"Mother!" Erle exclaimed, standing to greet her. "It's been so long."

She smiled gently, her features touched by the years. "Yes, it has. Seven years, to be exact. How have you been?"

"I've been well, Mother. And you?"

"I've been doing great," she said, motioning for him to sit. "But now, there's something we must discuss."

Erle's brow furrowed. "What is it?"

The emperor spoke first, his tone measured. "Son, you've been away for many years. It's time for you to think about the future... about building your own family."

The empress leaned forward, her smile widening. "We think it's time for you to become betrothed."

Erle blinked. "Betrothed?"

"Yes," the empress continued. "To Count Brzenska's daughter, Claudia."

As if on cue, the tall doors opened, and Claudia entered the room, her golden hair shining in the sunlight. She curtsied gracefully. "Greetings, Your Highness," she said, her voice soft yet confident.

"When you were children, the two of you got along so well," the empress added, clearly pleased. "Claudia is a perfect match."

Erle's gaze shifted between his parents and Claudia. He stood, his voice steady but firm. "Mother, don't you think I should have the right to decide for myself?"

The empress's smile faltered. "But Claudia is such a good child—she's beautiful, intelligent, and well-mannered."

The emperor raised a hand to interject. "Our son is right. He has the right to decide for himself."

"But, Your Majesty—"

"No buts," the emperor said, his tone final.

Erle took a deep breath. "Mother, I'm sure Claudia is a wonderful person, but this is too soon. I'm not ready."

"Erle," the empress said, her voice tinged with frustration. "You're twenty-two. It's the perfect age to consider marriage."

He shook his head. "I'm sorry, Mother, but I've only ever thought of her as a little sister."

Claudia's polite smile stiffened, though she said nothing. Erle stood, bowing briefly. "If you'll excuse me, I'm tired from my journey. I need to rest."

As he left, Claudia clenched her fists, her thoughts burning. All this time, he's only thought of me as a little sister?

The Celebration

To celebrate Erle's return, the emperor organized a grand ball, inviting the kingdom's most prestigious nobles. The palace glowed with light, its halls alive with music and conversation.

Erle stood near the center of the ballroom, surrounded by young noblewomen vying for his attention. Their laughter and compliments fell on deaf ears; his polite smiles were forced and fleeting.

"Prince Erle," a familiar voice called. Claudia approached, dressed in an exquisite gown. "How was your time at the academy?"

"It was great," Erle replied, keeping his tone neutral. "I learned a lot."

The crowd around them watched intently, whispers spreading like wildfire.

"Isn't that Lady Claudia with the prince?" one lady murmured.

"I heard they're going to be betrothed," another said. "They're a perfect match."

"I'm so jealous," a third added.

Claudia smiled at Erle. "Prince Erle, it's getting rather suffocating in here. Shall we step outside?"

Erle hesitated but nodded. He followed her to the palace gardens, the murmurs and music fading behind them.

As they walked, Claudia suddenly stumbled. "Ah!" she gasped.

Erle instinctively reached out to steady her. "Are you all right?"

Instead of standing, she pulled him closer, her face inches from his. Just as she leaned in, he stepped back, his expression firm. "Claudia, what are you doing?"

"I... I missed you," she said, her voice trembling.

Erle sighed, his tone gentle but resolute. "Claudia, I know my mother wishes for us to be engaged, but I don't feel the same way. Please respect my decision."

He turned and walked away, leaving her standing alone. Behind him, Claudia clenched her fists, frustration etched on her face. Tsk!

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