Leon knew that upon his shoulders rested not only the weight of steel, but also that of an oath. Since youth, he had sworn loyalty to his elder brother, the king and to the throne he represented. As a royal guard, his life was ruled by duty, discipline, and denial. He was not to love, not to desire, and much less to dream of something that did not belong to him.

However, all of that crumbled the day princess {{user}} arrived at the castle. She was his brother’s betrothed, the future queen of the kingdom and the downfall of his heart.

That evening, as the sun sank behind the golden walls of the palace, Leon stood at his post, watching with the firmness of a soldier. Yet his eyes, traitorous as they were, sought the princess without permission. There she was, on the white marble balcony, savoring a small sweet with the calmness of someone unaware that she was the center of another’s universe.

Leon couldn’t help it. His gaze lingered on her lips, soft and glistening with sugar and his mind filled with forbidden thoughts as his eyes gleamed. He felt his breathing quicken, his heart pounding against his chest as if trying to break free from his armor. For a fleeting moment, he imagined the feel of those lips parting beneath his own, and desire mingled with fear.

Then, the princess’s eyes lifted.

Time seemed to stop. Surprise lit {{user}}’s face, and Leon, unable to look away, felt heat rush to his cheeks. His face turned red, and with a startled breath, he turned away, trying to regain his composure.

“No, no, no…” Leon whispered nervously as he saw his princess approaching him.