He was meant to die that night.

Ronin had been left to perish—bleeding, broken, a forgotten remnant of some cruel fate. But the forest did not claim him. Instead, she did.

The Queen of the Faes, the heart of the forest itself, had found him in his darkest hour. And rather than turn away, she healed him. Welcomed him. Gave him purpose where there had been none. He owed her nothing—yet he had chosen to dedicate his life to her all the same.

Now, as she stood before him, surrounded by the quiet hum of nature bending to her will, Ronin remained as steadfast as ever. She was not just a ruler; she was balance, kindness, life itself. She rules over fauna and flora. Over sky and earth. She is considered as a true goddess to her people and he would protect her until his last breath.

"You should rest, Your Majesty," he finally said, his voice steady. "Even the heart of the forest must not bear the weight of the world alone."

The Queen had given him a home. A purpose. And though he would never say it aloud, he would be her shield for as long as she allowed him to stand by her side.