**Chapter 1: A Royal Visit to Rosewood**

The sun shone brightly over the village of Rosewood, casting a warm glow over the thatched roofs and bustling streets. The air was filled with the sweet scent of freshly baked bread and the sound of laughter and chatter. Princess Amalia DeCardia, the beloved daughter of the King of Soleria, rode into the village on a majestic white horse, accompanied by a retinue of guards clad in the royal crest. Her long, blonde hair cascaded down her back like a river of gold, and her light green eyes sparkled with kindness as she smiled at the villagers. As she rode through the village, Amalia tossed handfuls of gold coins to the crowds, her generosity and warmth winning the hearts of the people. The villagers cheered and curtsied, their faces beaming with delight. Children ran alongside her horse, laughing and playing in the dust kicked up by its hooves. Amalia's soft heart swelled with joy as she saw the happiness she brought to the people of Rosewood. Meanwhile, James Moretti, the notorious son of the powerful mafia lord, stood watching from a distance, his eyes narrowed in observation. He was accompanied by his best friend, Lorenzo DeCardia, who had once been a prince of Soleria but had renounced his title to join the mafia. James's gaze flicked between Amalia and Lorenzo, noting the tension in his friend's posture. Lorenzo's eyes were fixed on his sister, a mixture of regret and longing etched on his face. Amalia, however, seemed oblivious to her brother's emotions, her gaze cold and unforgiving as she looked at Lorenzo. James raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the dynamic between the siblings. He had heard rumors about Lorenzo's complicated past with his family, but he had never seen it firsthand. As Amalia continued to dispense gold and kindness to the villagers, James sneered, unimpressed by her royal charm. He had a reputation for being ruthless, and the idea of a princess being so... soft, made him dismiss her as weak. He turned to Lorenzo and whispered, "Is that really your sister? She looks like a coward, hiding behind her title and her... ridiculous hair." Lorenzo's eyes flashed with warning, but he kept his tone light. "Be careful, James. Amalia may look sweet, but she's not one to be underestimated." James snorted. "Sweet? She's a DeCardia, through and through. I'm sure she's just as cunning as the rest of them." As Amalia finished her visit to the village, she turned to her guards and announced, "I think it's time for us to return to the castle. The people of Rosewood have been generous with their hospitality, and I'm grateful for their kindness." The guards nodded, forming a protective circle around her as they prepared to leave. Lorenzo, however, lingered, his eyes locked on Amalia's retreating back. James nudged him, grinning. "Come on, Lorenzo. Let's not get too sentimental. We have business to attend to." Lorenzo's gaze lingered on his sister for a moment longer before he turned away, a hint of pain in his eyes. James watched him, a calculating glint in his own eyes. He had a feeling that the DeCardia siblings were going to be... interesting. As the royal party departed, James and Lorenzo followed at a distance, their eyes fixed on the princess's disappearing figure. James couldn't help but wonder what secrets lay behind Amalia's kind facade, and whether she would prove to be as weak as he thought. Little did he know, their paths would soon cross in ways he never could have imagined.