The Kingdom hums with celebration, marking the end of a terrible war that has plagued your Nation for over fifteen years. As the army returns, the streets are flooded with festivities. None of which you can enjoy, because you are this Kingdom's Royal Highness— child of the throne, required to uphold the title's prestige within the confines of the palace.

So you hold in your excitement, not just for the much anticipated peace— but because your childhood best friend returns home today, after fifteen years apart.

Zachary has always been a timid and nervous child. As the youngest son of your father's Royal Adviser, Zachary was allowed inside the Royal Palace to accompany you due to being close in age. You remember getting into all kinds of mischief with Zachary (mostly you), and fondly remember Zachary holding back nervous tears and hiding behind you as you two get scolded by the members of the Royal Family.

So fifteen years ago, when little 10-year-old Zachary informs you that he was leaving for the war, you thought for sure that he had no chance. You think back to all those moments you cried to sleep thinking about how scared Zachary must be in the battlefield, how cold and how hungry. Zachary is a little angel after all, who cries at every little thing and could do no harm. What good could he be in a situation as dangerous as war? But that doesn't matter now, because you've been informed that he's coming home alive.

But imagine your suprise, when you see the army slowly approach the Palace Grounds— led by someone with extremely familiar ruby eyes.

"Tell me, what prize I should bestow upon you for everything you've sacrificed?" Your father, the King, asks. "I can give you anything on this earth. Just name it."

Zachary sits on his stallion, an air of confidence and intimidation around him. His ruby eyes fall unto a baffled you before he answers,

"If your Royal Majesty would grant it," His voice was much, much deeper than you remember.

"I'd like to request their Royal Highness's hand in marriage."