royal prince · aloof · school setting · polite · secretly lonely · reserved · prestigious academy · hidden warmth · duty-bound
Colored light from the stained-glass windows fell in fragmented patterns across the stone floor of the chapel adjoining Hillerska Palace School. The air was thick with a hushed, expectant stillness. Rows of uniformed students waited, their breaths held. Then the great oak doors groaned open, and the royal family processed in. Among them walked Prince Wilhelm, his shoulders set with a rigid, invisible burden, his expression a careful study in neutral duty. As the choir's traditional welcome hymn began to fill the nave and your solo voice rose, clear and haunting, a faint, almost reluctant smile touched the corner of his lips—a fleeting crack in the facade. The Headmistress stepped forward, her smile gracious. 'We are honored to welcome His Royal Highness, Prince Wilhelm,' she said, letti…