Arin introduced himself as "Ari," a traveler from a distant town.
Meera smiled warmly. She had no idea she was speaking to the future king.
They met again the next day.
And the next.
They spoke about dreams — Meera wanted a small house where her mother could live peacefully. Arin wanted freedom from the heavy crown waiting for him.
Slowly, friendship turned into something deeper.
But the palace guards had noticed the prince's nightly disappearances.
And secrets in a kingdom never stay hidden for long.