Invisible String [prince gion x oc]

[ 00 ] Prologue

A meeting of destinies

˚ ༘♡ ·˚ ₊˚ˑ༄ؘ  ✩ ˚ ༘♡ ·˚ ₊˚ˑ༄ؘ

In the grand dining hall of the Italian palace, opulence radiated from every corner. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the polished marble floors, laughter filled the hall on the annual celebration.

The air was rich with the aromas of Italian cuisine, but five-year-old Princess Estelle found herself lost amidst the clamor.

It's rare for her family to have a stay in the Italian palace for more than a day, but that's what's happening right now. It's 8:15 pm, and they're still sitting in the dining hall.

Across the room, sitting beside his parents, was Prince Gion. He was dressed in a dark suit that seemed too serious for someone his age, but even as a child, Gion had an air of quiet maturity.

His blue eyes scanned the room, taking in everything with a calm curiosity. He was no stranger to Estelle; they had crossed paths at these gatherings every year. Yet, they had never spoken, remaining mere silhouettes in each other’s lives.

As if sensing her gaze, Gion looked up, and their eyes locked for a fleeting moment. It was starting to feel awkward before Gion’s grandfather spoke, his voice smooth yet commanding, interrupted the moment.

"Gion," King Aldo said, casting a glance toward Estelle. "Why don’t you take Estelle on a tour of the palace? Show her the gardens. I’m sure she would enjoy it."

Gion felt a slight tension in the air. He knew that beneath the calm and collected facade of his grandfather’s voice lay an order. This was not merely a suggestion, it was a directive masked in pleasantries. There was something the king wished to discuss that he didn’t want them to overhear. Something monumental.

With a polite nod, he rose from his seat, his movements precise and deliberate, already embodying the discipline expected of him.

"Would you like to see the gardens?" he asked, his voice soft yet steady as he turned to Estelle. The Hexian princess blinked, momentarily startled by the directness of his question.

She glanced at her mother, who gave her an encouraging nod, and then back at Gion. A small smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she pushed her chair back and stood, smoothing out the delicate folds of her dress.

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Gion led Estelle through the grand corridors of the palace, their small footsteps echoing softly against the polished marble. The silence between them felt heavy, especially to Estelle, who was unused to the stillness in such a grand place.