Chapter 72 Meeting with the crown prince

The next day, Leon was really gone. He just left me a note in my bed side table. It said what he just said to me the night before.
I felt empty inside. This was the first time in two years that we have parted. Leon has always been by my side since the first time I met him.
'Knock knock'
"Yes? Come in." I said. Tricia came inside my room.
"Princess, Leon left early this morning for his vacation leave." Tricia said.
"I know." I showed her the letter I was holding. I forced a smile on my face.
"Do not worry princess. I am sure he will be back in no time." Tricia said. "Oh and I have to remind you that today your highness and your sisters will be greeting the crown prince Regaleon of Grandcrest on his arrival."
"Oh. Is that today?" I had a lazy expression.
I am not really in to meeting the crown prince again. But I remember the day when we danced in my birthday ball. It was a magical moment, if I describe it. But that is all, just a moment.
"Let's prepare you now, your highness." Tricia said. "I do not want you to be inferior to your sisters. I will make sure you are the most beautiful princess the crown prince has ever seen." She made an excited expression.
I giggled. "You know that I am not really trying to get the crown prince's affection, right?"
"Yes, I know. Because you have met the love of your life." Tricia winked. "But still, I don't want you to be inferior to your sisters."
"Haha, I understand." I said. "But as I know, we only brought normal looking clothes and not the beautiful ones."
I remember before coming here that I don't want to catch so much attention. That's why I just let Tricia bring normal dresses.
"Oh do not worry princess. Your highness, prince Richard has gifted you beautiful clothes." Tricia said.
"Richard did?" I asked. "I can't remember he told me about this."
"The clothes just arrived early this morning." Tricia replied with a smile. "Here is a letter from prince Richard."
Tricia handed me the letter and I read it.
The letter goes:
•••
Dear sister,
I can't help that much with your fight with our sisters, I am sorry. But at least I can help you with this beautiful dresses.
You are beautiful in any dress you wear. But I am sure if you wear beautiful dresses, your beauty will outshine any noble lady or princess there is.
Knock them out sister! I an rooting for you.
Your little brother,
Richard
•••
I giggled after reading Richard's letter.
"Well, I don't want to disappoint my little brother." I said. "Come Tricia, let start preparing." I smiled.
***
After breakfast, we were called at the palace's hall. I was the first one to arrive, my sisters are not here yet.
I look around to see the empty hall but at a corner I see a young man standing, looking at some paintings hanging along the walls.
He was wearing a regal attire. A black long sleeves suit and pants. He had hair as black as night.
'I remember him.' I said.
"Crown prince Regaleon." I greeted.
The young man turned around. He was wearing a silver mask over the upper half of his face. His dark blue eyes met mine. By that time my heart skipped a beat.
"Third princess Alicia." Prince Regaleon smiled. "It's nice to see you again."
His voice rang into my ears. It felt familiar yet it was the first time I heard his voice after two years.
"Y-Yes, your highness. It has been a while." I stuttered.
"Oh, I have something for you." Prince Regaleon said. He get the blue rose placed in his coat's chest pocket. "This is for you my lady."
"T-Thank you, prince Regaleon." I feel a blush creep in my cheeks.
I know that the blue rose is Grandcrest's national flower and the symbol of their royal family. As a prince presenting a blue rose is a symbol of affection.
"The pleasure is all mine." Prince Regaleon reached for my hand and gently planted a kiss on it. I felt my cheeks heated even more.
"I am looking forward to spending this week with you princess." Prince Regaleon gave me a very familiar smile that I so much love. My eyes went wide.