A full day passed without Leticia and Aleph exchanging a single word. Aleph, disturbed and confused, had withdrawn, seeking refuge in his thoughts. Leticia, consumed by insecurity, dove into the romance novels, searching for answers to her own feelings and to Aleph's unexpected reaction.
As night fell, Aleph returned to the inn, bringing with him the royal carriage of the Winter Kingdom. They had left it for repairs in a village at the beginning of their journey, opting to travel discreetly to avoid drawing attention. Now, however, the carriage, with all its splendor and royal crests, was necessary for Leticia's arrival in the Autumn Kingdom. Aleph had retrieved it using a portal, ensuring the princess would arrive at her destination appropriately.
Daniel, who was waiting outside the inn, was impressed by Aleph's attire. The knight wore the ceremonial uniform of the Winter Kingdom's Royal Knights: a dark blue tunic with gold details on the long cape, imposing and elegant.
"Wow!" Daniel exclaimed, his eyes shining with admiration. "Where did you get these incredible clothes?"
"It's the ceremonial attire for the knights," Aleph explained, showing two packages he was carrying. "I brought one for you. I hope it fits."
Daniel's eyes shone with excitement.
A Royal Knight's uniform! It was a dream come true.
He ran inside the inn to try it on. Sir Ritz's tunic fit perfectly. Daniel twirled, admiring the flowing cape.
"It fits perfectly!" he exclaimed, radiant. "But what about this mask? And the hood?"
"The knights wear the mask and hood on special occasions, like ceremonies and banquets," Aleph explained. "It's a way to ensure the protection of the royalty without drawing attention. The mask covers the face, and the hood conceals the identity even further. The rule is to avoid eye contact with guests unless requested."
Aleph, wearing the imposing ceremonial uniform of the Winter Kingdom's Royal Knights, knocked lightly on Leticia's door.
"Excuse me, Princess," he said upon entering, after receiving permission. "I've brought your luggage."
Leticia, surprised to see him in that attire, received the suitcase in silence. Countless questions came to her mind—how had he gotten the uniform so quickly?—but the memory of the kiss and her shame prevented her from starting a conversation. Aleph, after a brief bow, took his leave, informing her that he would finish the preparations for their departure.
"Tomorrow we will arrive in the Autumn Kingdom, Princess," he said before withdrawing.
The next morning, Aleph and Daniel, already in position, awaited Leticia. Aleph led her to the carriage, explaining that he and Daniel would be responsible for driving. The journey, however, was surprisingly short. In the blink of an eye, after a precise movement of Aleph's sword, they passed through a portal, emerging in a completely different landscape.
"But... what...?" Daniel stammered, stunned. "Who are you, anyway? A simple knight wouldn't have this power!"
"You will find out soon enough," Aleph replied with an enigmatic smile.
They had arrived at the capital of the Autumn Kingdom. After identifying themselves as Princess Leticia's retinue, they awaited authorization to enter the city. Aleph opened the carriage door, announcing their arrival.
"We have arrived in the Autumn Kingdom, Princess," he said with a bow.
Leticia, impressed, recognized that it was some special ability of Aleph's. With countless questions on her mind, Leticia remembered that she needed to apologize first and, gathering her courage, asked Aleph to come inside to talk.
"Aleph, come in, please," she requested. "We need to talk."
Aleph entered the carriage, and Leticia, with sincerity, expressed her regret.
"Aleph, I'm sorry if I offended you in any way," she said, looking him in the eyes.
Aleph, touched by her words, took her hand. He was finally going to tell her the truth, but they were interrupted by the arrival of the Autumn Kingdom's Royal Knights, who received them with honors and formalities. The arrival of the future king's betrothed caused a stir, with everyone eager to see who she was and admire her beauty.
After the final preparations, Leticia, elegantly dressed, entered the main hall of the palace. The luxurious decor and exquisite details demonstrated the wealth and power of the Autumn Kingdom. Aleph, close behind, wore the uniform of the Winter Kingdom's Royal Knights, his face partially hidden by the mask and hood, as etiquette required.
A long red carpet stretched through the hall, leading Leticia toward her destiny. The room was filled with nobles, dressed in their finest attire, their curious and appraising gazes fixed on the princess. The atmosphere was charged with expectation and silent judgment.
Leticia walked the red carpet, each step echoing in the vast room. Her eyes fixed on the young man seated on the throne, flanked by knights and nobles. He had vibrant red hair and eyes of a grayish-blue... just like Aleph's. Shock ran through her body. That was Ryuuji, the prince of the Autumn Kingdom. But then... who was Aleph?
Despite the surprise and confusion that overwhelmed her, Leticia maintained her composure. She could not show weakness before the court. Prince Ryuuji rose from the throne and walked toward her with a confident posture. With a cordial smile, he took her hand gently and introduced himself.
"It is with joy that I, Ryuuji, welcome the visit of Princess Leticia of the Winter Kingdom," he said, his voice soft and welcoming.
"It is an honor for me to meet you, Your Highness," Leticia replied, making an elegant curtsy, hiding the whirlwind of thoughts that assailed her mind.
"Your presence will bring a new spirit to our kingdom," Ryuuji declared with a charming smile. "I hope that our union will be prosperous for both sides."
And, with impeccable gallantry, he brought Leticia's hand to his lips, placing a cordial kiss upon it.