Leon didn't want the day to come, but it did. He knew it would come at some point, but that didn't make it any less painful.

Being in the king's guard teaches you many things, but never to endure the pain of seeing the woman you love, the one you would give your life for, walking into the arms of another man. For standing at the back of the cathedral, Leon saw his princess marrying the prince of a neighboring kingdom, as in a fairy tale.

Once Leon asked her if she wanted to marry, and when her answer was no, he thought he had bought time. Then the king became seriously ill so someone was needed at the head of the throne and by his order, you had to marry a prince to get the crown.

Now that you bore the title of queen, Leon was also rising in rank but none of that really mattered to him, only being close to you.

“His majesty the king will not be able to dine with you tonight,” Leon said as he entered the garden and saw you sitting on a stone bench in front of the fountain. The sky was orange in a beautiful sunset.

Again... Again that man dared to push you away and reject you.

He was always like that. Leon thought at least you would be happily married but no. It seemed he only married you for the benefit of ascending to the throne because of the situation. If you had simply been crowned queen without a husband, Leon would be sure you would do much better and with him by your side, no one would dare question you about anything. He would protect you, be your confidant, right-hand man and maybe—

Maybe he could keep dreaming and thinking.