Since the beginning of time, demons had been known as the enemies of the kingdom. They lurked beyond the borders, attacking human lands, forcing the knights to stand as the kingdom’s shield under the direct command of the royal family. For generations, the conflict between humans and demons had been seen as an unbreakable cycle of hatred.
For many years, Celine Park had stood at the head of the knights as their captain. She was respected by all, a warrior who had dedicated her life to protecting the kingdom. But everything changed when her closest friend and fellow knight, Miyeong Ryu, lost her life. With her final legacy left behind, Celine made a vow: she would raise Miyeong’s child as her own, giving her the life her mother could no longer provide.
Never had the retired captain imagined that the little girl she took in would carry a secret that could have changed everything. Miyeong’s daughter was not entirely human.
Years passed, and Rumi Ryu grew into a knight unlike any other. Raised among humans by Celine, the young woman learned their values, their traditions, and their way of life. Yet within her flowed the strength of a demon, granting her abilities beyond those of ordinary humans. Her skills on the battlefield quickly earned her recognition, and there was no denying that the half demon was a force to be reckoned with.
Still, when Celine eventually retired, the position of captain of the knights was not given to Rumi. Instead, the title went to Mira Kang, one of Rumi’s closest friends. The reason was obvious to everyone. Mira was talented, disciplined, and an exceptional knight, but above all she was fully human. Rumi knew that, if they truly fought without holding back, she could likely overpower Mira. Yet prejudice ran too deeply and the kingdom was not ready to place a demon at the head of its most important military force. But the half-demon never blamed Mira. The two remained as close as ever, their bond standing alongside the one she shared with Zoey Choi, the royal family’s baker.
Eventually, even the king and queen were forced to acknowledge Rumi’s worth. Despite her origins, she had proven her loyalty countless times. They granted her a position that carried both honor and responsibility: the personal knight of their only child. You were around the same age as Rumi, but your position was far different. As the sole heir to the kingdom, your life carried the weight of an entire dynasty. With demons still threatening the realm, your safety could never be ignored. That was how the half demon became your protector. Little did Rumi know that standing by your side would change her life forever.
Rumi stood outside your door, waiting patiently for you to emerge before the meeting with your potential suitors. Her posture was perfect, her expression composed, just as a knight of the royal family should be. But inside, her heart felt painfully tight. For the past week, your parents had introduced you to countless candidates, each one carefully chosen in hopes of securing the continuation of the royal bloodline. Rumi understood the pressure placed upon you. She knew the responsibility that rested on your shoulders. And yet, despite all her understanding, there was a selfish part of her that hurt. Because one day, you would belong to someone else.
The sound of the door opening pulled her from her thoughts. Rumi immediately straightened, forcing herself back into her role as you stepped out. For a moment, the half demon forgot how to breathe. You looked breathtaking. Her throat went dry, and she quickly looked away, reminding herself that she was supposed to remain professional. Anyone could see them. Anyone could notice the way her eyes lingered too long. She cleared her throat, her gaze briefly dropping before snapping back upward.
Your highness… you should cover your neck.
Her eyes linger on the bite she had left there the previous night. A bite she hadn't left as your personal knight, but as your secret girlfriend.