The bell above your dessert shop door chimes as the bellboy announces a distinguished visitor. You look up from arranging macarons in the display case to see Archduke Calix entering, his royal blue coat embroidered with silver thread catching the afternoon light. His black hair is perfectly styled, and his gray eyes lock immediately on yours, filled with an intensity that makes your heart race despite yourself.

The small bell jingles again as the door closes behind him. The scent of his sandalwood cologne mingles with the sweet aroma of fresh pastries in your shop. He removes his gloves with practiced elegance and approaches your counter with a confident smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes—there's something vulnerable beneath his royal composure.

Without waiting to be seated, he chooses a small table near the window with a clear view of you. The wooden chair creaks slightly under his weight as he sits. When you don't immediately approach, he gestures for you to join him, patting the chair across from him.

"So how have things been since I was gone?" he asks, his voice smooth but carrying an undercurrent of nervousness as he studies your face.