“This demand ispletely unreasonable. You’re wasting our time.”


    Federico’s patience was wearing thin as he stared at the unyielding guard. For a brief moment, he considered walking away from the performance altogether and taking Caitlin with him.


    But just as he was about to make that decision, a royal motorcade slowly pulled into the pce gates.


    The guards immediately straightened and lined up in formation as the prince’s convoy approached.


    Inside the stretched Bentley, Prince Magnus noticed themotion at the gates and ordered the car to stop.


    He stepped out and approached the group, asking what was going on.


    One of the guards stepped forward and reported, “Your Highness, we’re verifying the identities of the European Royal Philharmonic. We noticed a discrepancy in one violinist’s photo, so we asked her to remove her makeup.”


    Hearing this, Magnus walked over to Caitlin and took her ID. His eyes scanned her features, then flicked back to the photo.


    “Esme? The makeup’s just a bit heavier than in the photo. Nothing major,” he said casually.


    Caitlin quietly exhaled in relief.


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    The conductor quickly chimed in, “That’s right, Your Highness. She’s performing tonight, so the makeup is part of the stage look.”


    Magnus nodded and handed the ID back to Caitlin. Then he turned to the conductor and said, “I apologize, sir. The guards were simply following protocol, not trying to offend. I hope you’ll understand.”


    Magnus had personally invited the orchestra, and he now offered his own apology for the misunderstanding.


    “It’s quite alright, Your Highness,” the conductor replied with a respectful handshake.


    Magnus also greeted Federico warmly. “Mr. Colli, wee. Please, all of you,e in.”


    With the prince’s approval (the guards <i>no </i>longer insisted on the makeup removal, and the group was allowed to enter the pce


    without further issue.


    As Magnus re–entered his vehicle and was driven away, the young women of the orchestra could hardly contain their excitement.


    “He’s so handsome!”


    “He’s even more charming than the pictures online–so warm and polite!”


    “Our own prince isn’t bad either. I think Federico could give him a run for his money!”


    Everyone chuckled at theparison, knowing full well Federico’s true identity. He took it all in stride.


    In a low voice, he leaned toward Caitlin. Good thing that prince showed up. Otherwise, we’d be in real trouble.”


    “Yeah… If they had figured out who I was<b>, </b>it wouldn’t have just been about false identity. I could’ve been arrested for illegal entry.”


    “Let’s be even more careful from here on out,” Caitlin said, her voice quiet but serious.


    18:44 Mon, 25 Aug W


    They were escorted through the pce to the grand banquet hall–thergest ceremonial chamber in the pce–where the orchestra would be performing.


    Next to it was arge reception room where the musicians left their belongings and made final preparations.


    The stage was set in the center of the hall, ready for their performance.


    As the hour approached, everyone rushed to change, touch up makeup, and tune their instruments.


    At 7 p.m. sharp, the royal banquet officially began. Nobles, ministers, and dignitaries filled the seats in the grand hall.


    At the head of the room, seated on the throne, was King Leif VI. Beside him sat Queen Heather.


    49%


    <b>28</b><b>) </b>


    King v rarely attended public celebrations, mostly due to his limited mobility and reliance on a wheelchair. But tonight was Queen Heather’s birthday–a rare asion.


    She sat beside him with a gentle smile, leaning over to ask what he wanted to eat.


    Don’t worry about me. Eat whatever you like,” v said in a t tone.


    Heather smiled, though there was a trace of disappointment in her eyes.


    To outsiders, they appeared a dignified and courteous couple. In truth, that’s all they werepanions who had long lived as


    friends.


    As the banquet progressed, guests began offering their birthday wishes to the queen in increasingly borate ways.


    Finally, it was Magnus’s turn. He stepped forward to the throne and said, “Father, Mother, today is Mother’s birthday. I’ve prepared a special performance in your honor.”


    Queen Heather smiled. “Oh? What kind of performance?”


    “You’ll see very soon.”


    Magnus gestured to the musicians. The background music stopped, the lights dimmed, and the stage curtain began to rise.


    All eyes turned toward the center of the hall. A single spotlight beamed down on a small circr stage.


    There, under the light, stood a young woman in a floor–length ck gown. Her softly curled hair cascaded down her back. She wore a half–face mask.


    Her pale skin shimmered under the spotlight, and her entire presence exuded mystery.


    Caitlin stood calmly at center stage. Through the <b>mask</b>, she scanned the grand hall.


    Gilded walls glowed under the chandeliers. Nobles and dignitaries sat on either side. In the distance, on the elevated tform, sat the king and queen.


    Even though they were far away, Caitlin could sense their imposing aura.


    The conductor gave her a subtle signal. Caitlin raised her violin to her chin and lifted the bow.


    With the first gentle stroke, a hauntingly beautiful melody filled the hall.


    18:44 Mon, 25 Aug


    The sound of the violin,bined with her enigmatic presence, immediately captivated the audience.


    Even King Leif VI, who had shown little interest in the event, raised his eyes toward the stage.


    <49%


    The solo violin piece was mesmerizing, as if it carried a spell. It swept through the grand chamber, stealing every breath and holding every heartbeat still.


    As the melody flowed, something stirred in Leif VI–a ripple across ake that had long been still.


    Deep within his mind, a memory began to resurface.


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    There had once been a woman who yed the violin too. A beautiful woman with eyes full of unspoken sorrow and a smile that lingered like a fading dream.


    She had been unforgettable.


    When the solo ended, the spotlight shifted to a white grand piano. Federico sat poised at the keys.


    Some of the guests immediately recognized him.


    “Oh my, that’s the Piano Prince–Federico!”


    “I had no idea we’d be seeing the European Royal Philharmonic tonight! What an incredible surprise!”


    Federico began to y, and Caitlin’s violin joined his melody. The duet sent chills through the audience.


    Then the rest of the orchestra appeared, the conductor raised his baton, and the full ensembleunched into a sweeping, majestic arrangement.


    Music filled the hall like a storm, growing more powerful with each note.


    On the throne, King Leif VI leaned toward his son.


    “Magnus,” he said in a low voice, “you invited <i>the </i>Royal Philharmonic. Do you know who that violinist is?”


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