The sun shone brightly over the sprawling royal gardens as Prince Alaric and Princess Erika arrived at the royal orphanage, an elegant building nestled just outside the palace grounds. The day was unseasonably warm, with a gentle breeze carrying the scent of flowers and freshly cut grass. Despite the splendor of their surroundings, Erika couldn’t help but feel a sense of peace as she stepped onto the grounds. The sight of children running and laughing, playing with wooden toys, and chasing each other through the fields, lifted her spirits.

Alaric, on the other hand, had never been particularly fond of such outings. He was more accustomed to grand balls, political discussions, and everything that came with being the crown prince. The idea of visiting an orphanage had always felt like a duty—a chore to be checked off. But today, for some inexplicable reason, he found himself curious. It was as if Erika’s presence had transformed the otherwise mundane task into something he wanted to experience, even if only for her sake.

Erika, her face lighting up as she saw the children, was the first to step forward. "Look at them," she said softly, her voice filled with awe. "They’re so full of life."

Alaric looked over at her, his eyes lingering on the warmth in her expression. He had seen her in so many settings—dressed in royal finery, attending high society events, speaking with the nobles and dignitaries. But this was different. Here, surrounded by children, she seemed to glow in a way that felt completely unguarded. There was no royal mask, no need for propriety. Erika was simply herself.

A little girl, no more than five, approached Erika shyly, clutching a small, worn-out doll in her arms. "Princess," the girl said in a quiet voice, "will you play with me?"

Erika’s eyes softened, and without hesitation, she knelt to the child’s level. "Of course, sweetie. What shall we play?"

The child’s face lit up, and in a flurry of excitement, she pulled Erika by the hand, leading her over to a group of children who were building a makeshift castle with blocks. Alaric watched in silence as Erika immediately joined in, laughing as she stacked the blocks higher and higher, the children’s faces beaming with delight.

"She’s good with kids," Alaric muttered under his breath, more to himself than anyone else.

One of the older children—a boy with dark hair and a mischievous smile—caught Alaric’s attention. He had been observing Erika with a curious gaze from the sidelines. "Your Highness," the boy said, his voice bold for his age. "Do you think you could help me lift this tower? I think it’ll fall if we don’t work together."

Alaric raised an eyebrow, surprised by the boy’s request. Normally, he would never entertain something so simple. But something about the earnestness in the child’s eyes made him pause.

"Alright," Alaric replied, stepping forward with a faint smile. "Let’s see what we can do."

The two of them carefully built the tower, stacking the blocks with precision. Erika, watching them from her spot, couldn’t help but laugh at the concentration on Alaric’s face. She had never seen him so focused on something so… trivial, and yet it felt natural to him. He didn’t seem like a prince at all at that moment, just a man trying to impress a child.

Once the tower was completed, the children cheered, and the boy who had asked Alaric for help beamed up at him. "Thank you, Your Highness! You’re good at this."

Alaric chuckled, a small blush creeping up his neck. "Don’t mention it. I suppose I’ve built a thing or two in my time."

Erika approached, her cheeks flushed with happiness from her playtime with the younger children. "You’re quite good at this, Prince," she teased, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Perhaps you missed your calling as a toy maker?"

Alaric smirked, his eyes never leaving her. "Perhaps," he replied, his voice soft. "But I’m better at other things."

Erika’s laughter rang through the air, a sound so pure and light that for a moment, Alaric forgot about the weight of the crown on his head. All that mattered in that moment was the warmth of her presence and the joy of the children around them.

They spent hours at the orphanage, playing games, listening to the children’s stories, and even sharing a meal with the little ones. Erika was in her element, her genuine affection for the children making it impossible for anyone not to smile in her presence. Alaric found himself caught up in her energy, laughing along with the children and even starting to enjoy himself.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow across the grounds, the children gathered around Erika, each one giving her a handmade flower they had picked from the garden. It was a simple gesture, but it made Erika’s heart swell with emotion.

"You’re going to be a wonderful Empress," one of the older girls said, looking up at Erika with adoration. "We’ll be so proud of you."

Erika’s eyes misted over, and she leaned down to hug the girl. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion.

Alaric, who had been standing nearby, felt a lump form in his throat. He watched Erika with the children, her natural warmth and kindness more captivating than anything he had ever seen. At that moment, he found himself thinking of a future he had never once considered.

What would it be like to have a child with her? A little girl with Erika’s laughter and warmth, or a little boy with her fiery spirit and courage?

The thought hit him like a wave, and for a moment, Alaric was lost in the idea of it. The way she interacted with the children—so unguarded, so genuine—made him wonder what kind of family they could have. What kind of parents they could be?

Before he realized it, he was standing a little too close to Erika, watching her interact with the children.

Erika turned to find him standing there, his expression unreadable. "What is it?" she asked, her voice soft but warm.

Alaric hesitated, his gaze still lingering on her. "I was just thinking," he began, his voice low. "You’d make a wonderful mother."

Erika blinked, surprised by the unexpected remark. She opened her mouth to respond but then stopped, unsure of what to say.

"Just something to think about," Alaric added, his tone light as he gave her a teasing smile. But there was something in his eyes—a quiet sincerity—that made Erika’s heart flutter.

As they left the orphanage later that afternoon, hand in hand, Erika couldn’t help but wonder if the prince’s words had been more than just idle musings. After all, she had never imagined that someone like Alaric—so caught up in royal duty, so distant at times—would consider such things.

Perhaps, in that moment, they had both discovered something more between them than either of them had expected. Something that neither of them could deny—no matter how hard they tried. And for the first time since she’d arrived at the palace, Erika felt the faint stirrings of hope. Maybe, just maybe, there was a future here worth embracing after all.