Dazzling night.

Next day, at evening. Kael was in his room at home dressing for the party.

Kael stood before his mirror, adjusting his appearance. He carefully styled his hair, spritzed on a light perfume, and ran his fingers over his clothes.

Despite the simple attire, he had done his best to make it look presentable. A hint of confidence began to fill him, but it was mixed with nervousness. His thoughts kept drifting to the princess, wondering what would happen when they saw each other again.

Before he could head out, his mother appeared at the door. She smiled, her expression warm with pride as she looked him over. "Kael," she said softly, her voice laced with affection. "You look very handsome. I'm sure whoever you're meeting tonight will be impressed."

Kael chuckled, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "You really think so, Mom?" he said, teasing her a little. "Who do you think I'm meeting? You're probably going to be surprised."

Amara raised an eyebrow but didn't press him for details. She had a hunch about where he was going, but she respected his privacy. "I don't need to know. But I know you're going to do well, no matter what," she replied, her voice filled with a quiet assurance. "Take this, though," she added, handing him a small basket filled with fresh fruits. "For whoever it is you're meeting, just in case."

Kael hesitated for a moment, then took the basket from her. "Thanks, Mom. You don't have to worry about me," he said and smiled at her. "I'll be fine."

With that, he turned toward the door, ready to step out into the night. But just as he was about to leave, Amara's voice called out to him again, more earnestly this time.

"Kael," she said, her voice quieter but full of meaning, "Be careful. Remember what I've taught you. Don't let anything distract you from who you are. Stay true to yourself."

Kael paused for a moment, looking back at her with a slight nod. "I will, Mom. I promise."

As he left the house and stepped into the cool evening air, he clutched the basket tightly in his hands, the weight of it grounding him. Despite his nerves, a spark of excitement flickered within him. Tonight could change everything. He would get the chance to explain himself, to show the princess that he wasn't the person the rumors said he was. But most of all, he was determined to become friends with the princess. 

A desire that was both impossible and foolish, as to how could a commoner like him be so close to the person with such a level of highness.

With the basket of fruits in his hands, kael stepped out of the carriage he hired to make him reach outside of the palace. As he walked towards the towering gates of the palace, he could hardly believe where he was. 

The grandiosity of the palace was overwhelming, its towering walls were adorned with intricate designs, massive marble columns, and sparkling lights that lit up the night. It looked like something from a dream, a world so different from his own humble life.

The other students started to arrive as well in their finely decorated carriages dressing in opulent outfits. Their rich fabrics glistening under the palace's lights. They walked with an air of pride, as if they belonged to this world.

Kael felt the weight of the basket of fruits in his hand, his simple attire feeling out of place against the extravagant surroundings. But he held his head high, walking confidently as he presented his school badge at the gates. To his surprise, the guards stepped aside, allowing him to enter with only a cursory glance. He was escorted inside by the palace attendants, their finely crafted uniforms gliding across the floor. As he followed them into the grand hall, the sight before him took his breath away.

The hall was a symphony of color and elegance. Gold and silver decorations twinkled, casting a soft glow on the guests who milled about in their fine attire. Music echoed through the space, a beautiful melody that seemed to fill every corner. The aroma of rich food and exotic drinks wafted through the air. Kael couldn't help but feel small, his simple presence a stark contrast to the lavishness around him.

At the front of the room stood Princess, the center of attention, as always. She was a vision of grace and beauty, her gown shimmering with delicate fabric that seemed to catch the light with every movement. Her auburn hair cascaded around her shoulders, and her eyes, full of mystery and warmth, swept over the crowd as she smiled graciously at her guests.

Her presence seemed to light up the room, and for a moment, Kael forgot to breathe as he locked eyes with her from across the hall.

But just as he was about to make his way toward her, a familiar voice rang out.

"Hey, farmer boy! Look at you!" Alden had arrived, his annoying voice was dripping with mockery. Kael stiffened as he turned to see Alden standing in the midst of a group of friends, his tall, golden-haired figure standing out among the crowd.

Alden, the son of a wealthy courtier, was dressed impeccably in fine silks and a jacket adorned with gold thread. His arrogance radiated off him as he flashed a smug grin, his eyes narrowing in on Kael's simpler appearance.

The laughter of Alden and his companions echoed through the hall, causing Kael to feel even more out of place. Alden's jabs weren't new, but being in such a setting, made them feel sharper. Kael gritted his teeth, refusing to let the taunts get to him. But there was no denying the sting of Alden's words.

Kael had always tried to rise above the insults, but tonight, in the dazzling glow of the palace, he couldn't shake the feeling of weakness.

Still, he wasn't going to let Alden's words spoil the evening. He had come here for a reason—to speak with the princess and show her who he truly was. 

Although kael didn't know who or what he truly was...