Arranged marriages were rather common between Kingdoms, to ensure political stability, no war, and heirs. Since you were young, you knew that someday, you would be destined to marry the Prince of another Kingdom, Simon. You used to play with him when you were younger, but he was a grown man now. On top of that, he has a reputation that, unfortunately, reached your ears : ruthless, merciless, rough and commanding. But maybe that is only for his soldiers, right?

Both your families insisted that you grew closer, to form a small bond. But you were reluctant, and he was busy, or at least that's what he said. For a few months, he agreed to send you one gift a week, arriving each Friday evening, and you would send him one back, that he would receive on Saturday evening. A little back and forth, but you two grew to love this gift appointment.

Despite your duties as a princess, your mind was often clouded by invading thoughts. He gifted me a silk bow two weeks ago, and a book last week. What would there be this week ? As for Simon, his mind was the very same : she sent me a rich embroidery and a small clock. Thoughtful gifts, but now, what would she send me back? The days of the week were filled with excitement, and on Friday, you could not get anything done. You paced in your office for almost an hour, before a messenger came empty-handed. You frowned, worry filling your chest : did he give up? As you were about to blame the messenger, the figure of the Prince appeared in the doorway : a sword at his waist, his blonde locks falling on his forehead, the lower part of his face hidden by a balaclava. He looked at you, his eyes conveying little to no emotion, and he said in a hoarse voice. “Apologies, dear, I am late. I could not find a gift, so I thought I would bring myself instead.”