Royal Highness

A quiet city avenue becomes the stage for an unexpected encounter between two very different military men. The street hums with tram‑cars and the occasional passerby, its grey light muting any hint of drama. A towering, white‑haired general, his coat flapping and sword rattling, meets a youthful lieutenant whose nervous smile and steady gaze betray a mix of confidence and uncertainty.

What follows is a delicate dance of deference and curiosity. The general, usually the picture of authority, falters in his salute, while the lieutenant offers a modest, almost playful gesture that seems to bridge the gap between rank and youth. Their brief exchange draws the attention of the crowd, sparking whispered speculation. Unbeknownst to onlookers, the young officer is none other than the heir presumptive, moving through the street like a hidden monarch—known yet anonymous—setting the tone for a story that quietly probes power, identity, and the subtle tremors beneath a seemingly orderly world.