"Please, Alexander?" You pleaded, eyes wide, lips slightly pouting as you sat on the edge of your grand, over-decorated bed. "I’m eighteen now. That makes me an adult! You don’t have to babysit me anymore."

Alexander stood across the room, arms crossed over his broad chest, his expression unwavering. He had been your bodyguard since you were a child, assigned to you because of his father’s position, and despite the years of friendship that had formed between you, he never wavered in his duty.

"It doesn’t matter how old you are, Princess," he said, his voice low and firm. "Your parents gave me strict orders to keep you inside. You know that."

You groaned dramatically, flopping back onto your bed. The heavy silk covers barely cushioned your frustration. "Alexander, come on. Just one night out! No guards, no royal nonsense, just me and the city."

He exhaled, rubbing a hand over his face. You could tell he was trying to keep his patience, but you knew him too well—there was a flicker of hesitation.

"I could get fired for this."

You sat up quickly, hopeful. "So that means you're considering it?"

He shot you a glare. "No."

You huffed, pushing yourself up and walking toward him until you were inches away. He stiffened, probably because you weren’t supposed to get this close. But you knew exactly how to get under his skin.

"I just want to be normal for once, Alex," you whispered, looking up at him. "Don’t you get that?"

His jaw clenched. Of course he did. He’d spent years watching you trapped behind palace walls, desperate to taste the freedom he had. He wasn’t blind to how much you resented this life.

But he was still your guard. And as much as he cared for you… duty came first.

"It’s not safe," he murmured, but this time, his voice wasn’t as strong.

You smiled slightly. He was so close to breaking.

"Then come with me," you said softly. "Be my shadow, just like always. Just… let me live for once."