The Garden Encounter

Needing to escape the stifling atmosphere of the ball, Erle wandered into the palace gardens. The crisp night air cooled his heated thoughts as he strolled beneath the moonlit trees.

Then, a soft melody reached his ears—a hauntingly beautiful tune played on a harp. Entranced, he followed the sound until he found its source.

In the center of the garden, illuminated by the moonlight, sat a young woman with long silver hair. Her fingers danced across the strings of the harp, weaving a melody that seemed to reach into his very soul.

Erle froze, captivated by her delicate beauty and the emotion in her music. She looked up, her violet eyes meeting his, wide with surprise. Without a word, she stood and ran, disappearing into the shadows before he could stop her.

"Wait," he murmured, staring after her. "Who was that?"

Later, as he returned to the ballroom, he heard the herald announce the next performer. He turned to see her—the silver-haired girl—standing before the crowd, harp in hand.

The room fell silent as she played. Her music filled the hall, silencing even the whispers. When the final note lingered in the air, the audience erupted into applause.

Erle couldn't look away. Her eyes sparkled like stars, her serene expression captivating him entirely.

Who is she? he wondered, his heart racing. For the first time, he felt something he couldn't explain—something entirely new.

The Next Day

The morning sun streamed through the tall windows of Prince Erle's study, illuminating the paperwork spread across his desk. Yet, no matter how hard he tried to focus, his thoughts kept drifting back to the silver-haired girl who had captivated him with her harp the night before.

"Your Majesty, you seem distracted," Brenner, his trusted attendant, observed as he entered the room.

Erle looked up, startled out of his reverie. "Brenner, would you happen to know the lady who played the harp at the ball yesterday?"

"Oh, her," Brenner said with a nod. "She's a student here. She studies music and occasionally performs at the palace events."

"Studying music, huh?" Erle said, his voice tinged with admiration. "That's incredible."

"She's the daughter of Viscount Regis," Brenner added.

"Viscount Regis?" Erle echoed, sitting up straighter.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Ah, I see," Erle murmured, filing the information away.

The following day, Erle found himself wandering the palace gardens again. And there she was—the silver-haired girl sitting in the same spot, the harp resting in her lap. She looked up and saw him, her eyes widening as she began to rise and retreat.

"Wait!" he called out, stepping closer.

She hesitated, her delicate features torn between shyness and curiosity. Finally, she stopped.

"Please don't run away," he said gently. "I just want to hear you play the harp. You play so beautifully."

The girl's cheeks flushed faintly, but she offered a small smile. "Thank you."

"What's your name, if I may ask?"

"My name is Eileen Ehrenpreis," she said softly.

"Eileen Ehrenpreis," Erle repeated, her name rolling smoothly off his tongue. "A beautiful name."

"And you, sir?" she asked.

Before he could answer, Brenner's voice rang through the garden. "Prince Erle!"

"Prince?!" Eileen exclaimed, immediately bowing deeply.

Erle groaned, rubbing his forehead. "Damn you, Brenner."

Brenner approached, oblivious to the tension he'd caused. "My apologies, Your Majesty. Did I interrupt something?"

Eileen, still bowing, spoke quickly. "I apologize for my rudeness, Your Highness. I didn't realize—"

"No, it's all right," Erle said, cutting her off. "You've done nothing wrong."

"Your Highness, the Empress has requested your presence," Brenner added.

Erle sighed. "Tell her I'll be there shortly."

"Yes, Your Highness." Brenner bowed and left.

Turning back to Eileen, Erle offered a sheepish smile. "Well, I suppose my secret's out. But there's no need to apologize. It's been a pleasure meeting you, Eileen."

"And you as well, Your Highness," she replied, still shy but smiling warmly. "I must go now. Class is about to start."

"Will I see you again?" Erle asked quickly. "I'd love to hear you play the harp once more."

"I'll be here tomorrow," she promised. "You'll hear me play again."

He smiled. "I'll see you tomorrow, then."

"Goodbye, Your Highness," Eileen said with a graceful bow before walking away.

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