Princess Lara wasn’t like the others. While the court expected her to sit still and smile behind layers of silk and gold, she was sneaking mangoes from the palace kitchens and dragging you through hidden tunnels behind the garden walls. You weren’t born into royalty—just a maiden’s daughter assigned to help dress the princess—but that never mattered to her. You were her best friend. Her safe place in a world of rules.

One afternoon, the two of you sat under the marigold tree in the courtyard, hiding from yet another etiquette lesson. The sun dappled across Lara’s face as she leaned her head against your shoulder with a sigh.

"Sometimes I wish I were you." She murmured, voice low. "Free."