Alexandre

As soon as Nicolau entered my room, I noticed a mischievous smile on his face. He probably already knew the reason for my happiness, but I still made a point of telling him.

She accepted the gift - I said excited, showing the necklace I had given to Giovanna.

I knew she wouldn't resist - Nicolau replied with a look of satisfaction. - Women love jewelry.

You were right, my friend. Thank you for giving me this suggestion - I sincerely thanked you.

Nicholas shrugged, as if it were no big deal, but I knew that his experience and wisdom were very valuable to me. He was always a faithful confidant and a loyal friend. Being by his side gave me security and helped me deal with the responsibilities that came with my position.

If I may say, Your Highness, Giovanna is a special woman. I realized that you have a unique connection from the first moment you saw her. - Nicolau commented wisely.

She really is... - I murmured, thinking about the young woman who had stolen my heart. - But, you know, Nicolau, I never imagined it would be like this. I always thought that my destiny was traced from birth, and that I would never have a choice in matters of the heart.

Fate may surprise us, Your Highness. Sometimes it is necessary to break some barriers and rules to find true happiness - Nicolau said, smiling enigmatically.

These words echoed in my mind as I thought of Giovanna. She was different from all the women I had ever related to. His strong personality, his passion for life and his authenticity enchanted me in a way I had never experienced before.

I think I'm willing to face any obstacle for her - I said, with conviction.

That's a good sign, Your Highness. True love is worth any sacrifice - Nicholas said wise.

I knew he was right. I was willing to challenge conventions and expectations to be with Giovanna. If that meant facing challenges and obstacles, I was prepared.

While we were still in my room, I started talking to Nicolau about our long-standing friendship. He was my oldest friend, a loyal companion who was always by my side in difficult moments and moments of joy.

Nicolau, how long have we known each other, haven't we? - I asked, remembering the moments we've spent together since childhood.

He nodded, with a sparkle in his eyes that indicated a great story to be told. - Yes, Your Highness, it's many years of friendship and loyalty.

And yet, I realize that I don't know much about your personal life. I never knew about your relationships or if you've ever met someone special - I said, curious.

Nicholas seemed to hesitate for a moment before answering. - Well, Your Highness, as commander of your guard, my position is different. Noble women often take little notice of someone like me and tend to avoid me. My role is to protect them, and not to get involved romantically.

I was surprised by your answer. Despite our friendship, we had never discussed their personal experiences. I always saw him as a man dedicated to his work, but I never imagined that he would have to give up relationships because of his position.

That's not fair, Nicolau. You deserve to find someone special, someone who understands and values your dedication and loyalty - I said, sincerely.

He smiled, but there was a certain regret in his gaze. - I thank you for your words, Your Highness. But my duty has always been to protect royalty, and I am willing to give up certain things in the name of this duty.

Nicholas was an honorable and devoted man, and I greatly admired his dedication to his work and to me. But I could not help but feel a certain sadness for him, for knowing that he had sacrificed his own happiness for the well-being of others.

If you ever want to change this, if you want to find someone special, know that I am here to support you in your choices - I said, putting my hand on your shoulder.

He looked at me with gratitude in the eyes. - Thank you, Your Highness. Your words mean a lot to me.

Our conversation was interrupted when a crew member knocked on the door to let me know that it was time to prepare for the next activity on the ship. I thanked Nicolau for the conversation and we went our separate ways.

While I was getting ready to leave the room, I couldn't help but think about Nicolau's life. He was a man of great heart and dedication, and deserved to find someone who valued him as a person. Maybe one day he would find someone who would make him happy, someone who loved him not only for the title he carried, but for the amazing person he was.

The night was calm and silent when I decided to leave my room to try to find Giovanna. I felt a restlessness inside me, a desire to be next to her again, to talk and get to know her better. However, before I could leave the corridor, I was interrupted by the imposing figure of the Duke, my father.

Alexandre, what do you think you're doing? - He asked with a furious expression.

I... I wanted to talk to Giovanna, dad. - I replied, trying to stay calm.

The Duke snorted, clearly disapproving of my attitudes. - You need to focus on your real obligations, Alexandre. This is not the time for flirts and romances.

But dad, I feel something for her. - I tried to explain, knowing that it would be difficult to make my father understand my feelings.

You can't get involved with a commoner, Alexandre. That's unacceptable. - The Duke said firmly.

Nicholas, who was by my side the whole time, tried to intervene to calm the situation. - Excuse me, Duke, but maybe we'd better listen to the prince and understand his feelings.

The Duke's gaze turned to Nicolau, his expression still irritated. - Nicolau, you have no right to intrude in these issues. Remember your role as a commander.

I understand, Duque, but I believe it is important for the prince to express his feelings and be heard - Nicolau replied, with respect, but without giving up his position.

The discussion continued for some more time, and I felt more and more cornered and afraid of the consequences of my actions. My father was visibly angry and made it clear that he would not accept my approach to Giovanna.

If you continue with these attitudes, I will tell the king about what is happening here. He needs to know that you are putting your feelings before your responsibilities as a prince - the Duke said sternly.

Those words hit me hard. I knew that my father was able to fulfill his threat, and this could bring big problems for me and Giovanna. I didn't want to cause her problems, I didn't want her to be involved in royal issues.

I... I understand, dad. I'm going to get away from Giovanna. - He said, lowering his head.

The Duke nodded, satisfied with my answer. - It's the best you can do. Now go to your room and reflect on your responsibilities as a prince.

With a heavy heart, I went back to my room, feeling a mixture of sadness and fear. I knew I couldn't get close to Giovanna again, at least not while we were on the ship. My feelings for her were real, but I couldn't ignore my obligations as a prince.

That night, while lying in my bed, I tried to understand what was happening to me. I wanted to be free to love and be loved, but the responsibilities of royalty weighed on me like a chain. I feared that my feelings for Giovanna could bring disastrous consequences for both of them, and this filled me with anguish.

With a tight heart, I realized that I would have to make difficult decisions and face the challenges that real life presented to me. And as much as I wanted to be with Giovanna, I knew I needed to put my duty as a prince first.