The evening after the festival was quiet, the palace halls illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns. Princess Amelia sat in her chambers, still thinking about the events of the day. Despite the joy and laughter of the festival, there was a sense of unease that had settled deep inside her. Perhaps it was the sudden intensity of everything—her growing feelings for Duke Leo and Prince Lee, the responsibilities of being a princess, and the uncertainty of what was to come.
She sighed and moved toward the large window that overlooked the palace gardens. The night air was crisp, and the stars twinkled in the sky like tiny diamonds. Just as she was about to lose herself in thought, a soft knock echoed through the room.
"Come in," she called.
The door opened, and Duke Leo stepped inside, a small smile playing on his lips. His dark hair, still slightly damp from earlier, framed his handsome face. He looked relaxed, but there was something in his eyes that showed he was there for more than just a friendly chat.
"Leo," Amelia said, surprised. "I didn't expect to see you so soon."
"I couldn't sleep," he admitted, walking further into the room. "And I thought... maybe you couldn’t either."
Amelia smiled softly. "You know me too well."
Leo chuckled, taking a seat near her window. He leaned back slightly, gazing at the stars alongside her. "The festival was quite the success, wasn’t it? But it seems like something’s on your mind."
She sighed, biting her lip. "It’s just... everything is happening so fast. Being a princess, these festivals, the people looking up to me—I sometimes wonder if I’m ready for it all."
Leo looked at her thoughtfully, his expression softening. "Amelia, no one is ever truly ready for what life throws at them. It’s about facing it head-on, even when it feels overwhelming."
She met his gaze, her heart beating a little faster. There was something about the way Leo always seemed to know what to say. His presence was a constant reassurance, grounding her when everything else felt uncertain.
"I just feel like I have so many people depending on me," Amelia continued, her voice a little quieter. "I don’t want to disappoint them."
Leo leaned forward, his eyes serious but kind. "You could never disappoint anyone, Amelia. You’re stronger than you think, and you’ve already done more than enough to prove that you’re worthy of being princess. Everyone sees it, even if you don’t."
There was a pause, and then Leo reached out, gently placing his hand over hers. The simple gesture sent a warmth through her, and for a moment, the weight of her worries seemed lighter.
"Thank you, Leo," she whispered, looking down at their hands. "I don’t know what I’d do without you."
Before Leo could respond, another knock came at the door. Both of them looked up as Prince Lee entered the room, his usual confident stride a bit more hesitant.
"Am I interrupting?" Prince Lee asked, his gaze flickering between them.
Amelia pulled her hand away from Leo’s quickly, a light flush creeping up her cheeks. "Not at all. We were just talking."
Lee smiled warmly, though there was a subtle tension in his posture as he walked closer. "I couldn’t sleep either. I thought I might find you here, Amelia."
Leo leaned back in his chair, a playful glint in his eye. "Seems we’re all having the same problem tonight."
Prince Lee chuckled, though his eyes were fixed on Amelia. "It’s been quite the day. Festivals like this always stir something inside of me—memories, maybe. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt so... alive."
Amelia raised an eyebrow, intrigued by his words. "Memories?"
Lee nodded, sitting down across from her. "Yes. Of home, of simpler times. When I wasn’t caught up in politics or royal duties. Before everything became so... complicated."
She understood that feeling all too well. "It’s strange, isn’t it? How life can change so quickly and leave you wondering how you got here."
Lee’s gaze softened, his voice lowering slightly. "I think that’s why we’re drawn to one another, Amelia. We understand the weight of responsibility in a way most others can’t."
Leo’s playful expression dimmed as he listened, and Amelia could sense the subtle tension growing between the two men. There was an unspoken rivalry in the air, a quiet competition for her attention, her affection.
Amelia glanced between them, feeling the pressure of their gazes. She had grown close to both Leo and Lee, each offering her something different, something special. But the weight of their feelings was beginning to feel like yet another responsibility she wasn’t sure she was ready for.
Breaking the silence, Leo leaned forward, his tone light but pointed. "I think the princess understands more than we give her credit for. She’s handled everything with grace, even when things get complicated."
Prince Lee’s eyes met Leo’s, and there was a subtle challenge in his smile. "Indeed. But sometimes grace isn’t enough. Sometimes you need someone by your side who understands your heart."
Amelia’s heart fluttered at his words, but Leo wasn’t backing down. "Or someone who’s been there through thick and thin, who knows her better than anyone."
The tension in the room was palpable now, and Amelia could feel her pulse quicken. She wasn’t sure what to say, how to navigate the growing rivalry between the two men who had come to mean so much to her.
Clearing her throat, she stood up, hoping to diffuse the situation. "I think... I need some fresh air."
Leo and Lee both stood as well, their expressions softening as they realized the discomfort they had caused.
"Of course," Leo said, his voice gentle. "We didn’t mean to overwhelm you."
Prince Lee nodded. "Take your time, Amelia. We’ll be here when you’re ready."
As she stepped out onto the balcony, the cool night air filled her lungs, offering a brief reprieve from the complicated emotions swirling inside her. She could still feel the weight of their affection, their unspoken rivalry. 
She leaned against the balcony railing, closing her eyes for a moment. The stars above twinkled serenely, a stark contrast to the turmoil in her heart. How was she supposed to choose between them? How could she when both of them had become so important to her?
A soft sound behind her made her turn, and she found Leo standing in the doorway, his expression unreadable.
"I didn’t mean to make things difficult," he said quietly, stepping closer. "I just... I care about you, Amelia. More than I should, maybe."
Her heart ached at his words, and she didn’t know how to respond. Before she could find the words, Lee appeared beside Leo, his usual confident demeanor tempered with sincerity.
"And I feel the same," Lee admitted, his voice softer than usual. "I didn’t come here to compete, but it seems like that’s what it’s turned into."
Amelia looked between them, her chest tight with emotion. "I don’t want either of you to feel like you have to compete for me. I care about both of you, and this... it’s just all so new."
Leo stepped closer, his gaze intense but tender. "Then let us be there for you, Amelia. No pressure, no competition. Just... let us support you in whatever way you need."
Lee nodded in agreement, his eyes holding hers. "We’ll figure it out together. You don’t have to decide anything now. Just know that we’re here."
The sincerity in their voices, the honesty in their eyes, made Amelia’s heart swell with gratitude. Despite the complexity of the situation, she knew that both Leo and Lee were genuine in their feelings, and that they only wanted what was best for her.
With a deep breath, Amelia smiled softly. "Thank you. I don’t know what the future holds, but I’m grateful to have both of you by my side."
The tension lifted, replaced by a quiet understanding. For now, that was enough.