บท 253: The Third Wheel

Elizabeth curtsied gracefully before Sten, her movements were fluid and elegant. She held her skirt delicately in one hand, the fabric billowing around her as she bent her knee in a respectful greeting.

"Greetings," she said, her voice soft and melodious. "I am Princess Elizabeth, the only daughter of Duke Humes. If I am right, then you are..."

Sten returned her gesture with a respectful bow. "I am Crown Prince Sten of Ásjáheimr. It is a pleasure to finally meet you," he replied, his tone polite but reserved.

Elizabeth looked up at Sten, a spark of genuine interest dancing in her eyes. She smiled warmly, a sight rarely seen from her. "I did not expect to see you this way. The palace is large, after all," she remarked, softer than usual. "Truthfully, we took the longer route than usual. Saying that... It feels as if fate brought us together."