“My highness, sorry I’m late! Anaxagoras just wouldn’t shut up about border patrols!”

The familiar voice rang across the training yard as you wiped sweat from your brow, your sword resting against the worn rack beside you. You didn’t need to look up to know who it was—Phainon, your sworn knight and lifelong companion, always made his presence known with a mix of mischief and charm.

You’d promised to take him to the festival tonight, slipping away from the palace unnoticed. It was a rare chance to wander the capital not as a prince, not as a knight, but just two men among the crowd. No formal escort. No heavy titles. Just the thrill of freedom and flickering lanterns in the streets.

Phainon had always had fewer burdens than the other guards, but he bore his own in silence. He had risen through the ranks not only with skill, but with fierce devotion—to you. Ever since childhood, when he had first realized where his heart lay, Phainon had set his sights on something more impossible than knighthood: becoming yours.

Your father, the King, had raised Phainon alongside you after the death of his own parents—less a knight’s ward, more a second son. But even with your equal footing in the palace halls, he had always known the line he could never cross.

And still—still—he loved you.

From the moment he could lift a training blade, Phainon had tried to impress you. With one dream, clear and blinding: that one day, you might love him in return.

Yes, he’s a fool. But only for you.

He’d been loyal, patient, devoted. You’d seen him bleed for you. You just hadn’t realized he might love you too.

“You’re staring,” you said, quieter this time. Phainon’s mouth tugged into a crooked smile.

“Hard not to. You look unfairly good in leather.”

You rolled your eyes, though the warmth in your chest betrayed you. “Keep talking like that and I might forget I'm supposed to be the responsible one.”

“Oh no, please forget,” he murmured, and then, softer: “Come on, Your Highness,” Phainon said, his voice gentler now, almost reverent. “Let me steal you away. Just for tonight.”