Mia remained a statue, her face an enigma, as the pageant on stage continued to unfold. A tremor ran through her voice as she said under her breath, "This is a terrible idea." Her eyes darted across the vast theater, scanning the movement of the guards. She lowered her voice to a conspiratorial whisper, "Stay put and crawl to your right. When you reach the end of the row, make another right and head for the back exit."

Following her hushed instructions, Leopold lowered himself to the ground and began his stealthy journey. Mia, all pretense of nonchalance, pulled out her phone and pressed it to her ear. She rose, mimicking a casual conversation, and began strolling down the aisle. Her purse, clutched tightly under her arm, became a prop for her act. Reaching the end of the row, she subtly quickened her pace, heading towards the exit with Leo still low to the ground, a shadow just out of sight from the approaching guards.

The side door loomed ahead, their escape within reach. Mia reached it first, pushing it open with a silent creak. A swift nod towards Leopold was her only acknowledgment before she allowed him to crawl through the opening. With a gentle push, she closed the door behind them, muffling the auditorium sounds.

Outside, bathed in the sun, Leopold scrambled to his feet. Gravel from the path clung stubbornly to his palms, and he brushed it off with a grimace, transferring the dust to his dark jeans. He looked up at Mia, a blush creeping up his neck as he stammered, "Thank you…uh…” he said, searching for her name amidst his jumbled thoughts.

"Mia," she answered.

"Mia," he murmured, savoring the name on his tongue. She took a moment to truly see him. Framed by the expanse of the blue sky, his height was undeniable as he towered over her. His light hazel eyes, the color of sun-dappled leaves, held a kindness that disarmed her. Her eyes traveled down to his jawline and cheekbones, all sharp angles as if they were sculpted from marble.

Then, their eyes met, and a warmth bloomed in her cheeks. She realized he was studying her too, a flicker of something unreadable passing through his gaze. "That's a beautiful name," he finally offered, his voice warm and sincere.

Caught off guard by the compliment, she stammered, "And Leopold is a..." She trailed off, searching for the right words.

He chuckled, crinkling the corners of his eyes. "Everyone calls me Leo."

Mia's lips curved into a genuine smile, the first one he'd seen her wear. "Okay, Leo.” She cast a quick glance down the deserted alley. The only sound was the faint hum of traffic a few blocks away. "Well," she said, her voice regaining its composure, "the coast is clear. You'd better get going before those guards decide to check this exit, too."

She reached out, her fingers like delicate butterflies alighting on the cool metal door handle. Just as she began to turn it, he recaptured her attention. "I'm assuming you received an invitation," he said, his voice a low murmur. “Otherwise, you wouldn’t be here.”

She pivoted slowly, her gaze meeting his. "I did," she confirmed.

A furrow appeared between his brows, "May I ask," he began, “Why didn’t you join the competition?" He hadn't anticipated any invitations going unanswered.

Mia offered a noncommittal shrug, her shoulders rising and falling in a graceful arc. "Honestly," she finally said, her voice frank and laced with a quiet strength, "I don't know." She hesitated, a delicate bite at her bottom lip betraying a flicker of doubt. "Perhaps the notion of marrying someone I've never met simply for a title doesn't hold much appeal." Her eyes held a steely glint. "Besides," she continued, her voice gaining a note of determination, "I already have people who depend on me. That's responsibility enough, wouldn't you say?"

Mia thrived on the quiet hum of purpose that guided her life. A strong moral compass steered her actions—a compass that had pointed her away from this glittering opportunity. The chance to become a princess, to be draped in luxury and privilege, had landed at her doorstep. She had politely declined an opportunity that most would chase with reckless abandon.

Leo's surprise was evident, his hazel eyes reflecting a newfound respect. "That's truly admirable," he admitted, his voice laced with sincerity. "It's rare to find someone willing to turn down such a grand opportunity."

A small smile played on Mia's lips. "Seems I'm that someone," she replied.

“I have nothing but respect for that," he countered.

A smile bloomed on Mia's face, "Well," she started, reaching for the doorknob again, "I should probably get back.” Her hand grasped the cool metal as she peeked inside, catching a glimpse of the guards still scouring the building. She spun around, her gaze locking with his. "And so should you," she urged, warning him to flee.

He offered a brief nod of understanding, and a ghost of a smile graced his lips before he bolted. Mia watched him disappear around the corner, his form swallowed by the groups of people on the bustling street. A bittersweet feeling settled in her stomach, and she wondered if she would ever see him again.

* * *

The next morning, Mia pushed open the hotel's glass doors, a wave of cool air washing over her as she stepped into the brightly lit lobby. The space buzzed with activity, filled with travelers laden with luggage who hurried towards the check-in counter and weary guests sprawled on plush couches like sunbathers on a beach. A queue snaked its way past the concierge desk, where harried staff fielded a constant barrage of questions.

Across the room, a figure in bright orange pants practically vibrated beside a tranquil waterfall. It was Olivia, waving frantically. Mia chuckled to herself and navigated the bustling lobby, the black garment bag in her hand bobbing against her hip.

"Did you get it?" Olivia asked as Mia approached, all pretense of calmness abandoned in her eagerness.

"Yeah, yeah," Mia replied, handing over the bag. “Keep your…” she trailed off, her eyes scanning Olivia's flamboyant outfit, “…extremely fashionable pants on,” she finished with a grin.

Despite her initial reservations about the whole process, Mia couldn't deny a surge of excitement for her friend. Seeing Olivia seize this opportunity, however crazy it might seem, filled her with a sense of pride. She wouldn't have missed this chance to be there for her friend, to witness one of the most pivotal moments in her life. "When will they see you're the perfect woman for this Prince Charming?" Mia teased with playful affection.

Olivia's eyes sparkled. “I know, right?! But, this is it, Mia! The final round!" She practically ripped open the garment bag, revealing a sleek, midnight-blue dress that shimmered under the lobby's overhead lights. "After this, they choose the one girl to represent America in Alverna!" Her fingers flitted over the label, then traced the dress's seams, checking for any last-minute snags or tears. "Thanks a million for picking this up! The cleaners practically had a meltdown and needed an extra day. But I had to check in, you know?" Olivia exclaimed, excitement bubbling over.

"No problem," Mia responded, a warm smile gracing her lips. "Always happy to lend a hand, especially for something this important."

With a decisive zip, Olivia secured the garment bag, its sleek black surface mirroring the sudden seriousness in her eyes. She leaned in, pressing a quick kiss to Mia's cheek. The scent of lavender clung to her skin. "Okay," she said. “I’m off. Wish me luck.” With one last brilliant smile and a promise to conquer this final hurdle, she turned and practically skipped toward the elevators.

Mia watched her friend's retreating form, and a touch of sadness tugged at her heart as she realized that this journey, this whirlwind adventure, might soon be coming to an end. A mischievous grin tugged at the corner of her lips as she called after Olivia's disappearing figure, "You got this in the bag, literally and figuratively!"

Olivia turned, her eyes sparkling with gratitude. She waved with a smile before the elevator doors slid shut, swallowing her whole. The metal cage jolted with a soft hum, carrying Olivia closer to her destiny, leaving Mia alone in the bustling lobby.

She was about to rejoin the crowd of hotel guests when a tug on her arm sent a jolt through her. Spinning around, she came face-to-face with Leo, his usual carefree demeanor replaced by fear. Before she could react, his hand clamped over her mouth, stifling any gasp or scream that might rise. He propelled her towards a nearby corner with surprising strength, his hazel eyes boring into hers with an intensity that both surprised and unsettled her.

He pressed her against the cool wall surface, his body a shield against the busy lobby. After a few tense moments, Leo slowly peeled his hand away from her mouth. His gaze darted nervously around the corner, checking for any sign of pursuit, before returning to her with a mix of relief and apprehension. Leaning in close, he dropped his voice to a gruff whisper, "Hey, Mia."