ecorated with garlands of flowers and tricolored flags, while the festive bustle filled the air. The smell of freshly baked bread, roaste

traditions. But for Loana, who had never been a part of the luxury and ostentation of the mansion,

re her best white linen dress, a simple yet elegant outfit, and joined the women of the village who were preparing food for the feast. However, her mind

t in every corner of the festival. The luxury of the clothes, the forced laughter of the nobles, and the social exchanges stood in contrast to the sim

social class, all elegantly dressed. Their eyes met the moment Loana saw him, but, surprisingly, Mihai quickly averted his

emselves for what they truly were: two young people caught between an impossible love and the pressure of soc

itional "hora," a circle dance that symbolized the unity of the village. But despite the coordinated st

ver, his thoughts were not on the archery competitions or bets among friends; they were with Loana. Seeing her so close yet so distant left him disoriented. The weig

cing, reminded him of what he couldn't have. Their eyes met fleetingly, but whenever they tried to speak

is noble bearing, was no stranger to these types of events. He approached the shooting area, where the bets were high, and the aristocrats showed off their archery skills. Lo

erhaps the weight of what they couldn't say out loud. Mihai, with impressive skill, hit the target. People around him applau

bigger, and the tension between them was more palpable than ever. Loana tried to smile, but Mihai's distant gaze

e slightly, trying to make sure no one else heard. Loana looked at him, su

't want to pretend, but she did it for him, fo

tand," she replied, h

e complicated. They both knew they were trapped, but the attr

George's celebration became a reminder of what they