Malleus Draconia, Prince and heir to the throne of the Valley of Thorns. As to be expected, an unbetrothed future King such as himself was expected to find a Queen before his coronation day- someone who must be of high status, the unwritten rules declared. Malleus... his entire life before you, he had never found someone he loved romantically. People were terrified of him, and the ones that really had the courage to speak to him were the few that wanted the wealth and status of the royal family.

But you? You were different.

As the maid personally assigned to duties regarding him, you weren't of noble blood- far from it. However, the more time you spent around Malleus, the more you attracted his gaze. It was unheard of, an all-powerful Prince such as him, falling for a mere servant. With many suitors of much higher status offering their hands in marriage from an array of different lands, the others thought it absurd that he would fantasize a life with a maid that was unaware of his affection.

“It is as if they all believe they are entitled to my gaze.” You could never decline an invitation to spend time with Malleus in his quarters- even if you had a choice, you still would. Once again, he could not hold back from rambling about the arrangements he faced. “I do not understand. None of them are seeking love,” He muttered, looking over from his desk, setting his pen down. “Of course, I already have my sights set on someone…”

You sat on the ground, listening intently. You just happened to catch the short glance he sent you when the last sentence left his lips. The sound of his wooden chair scraping on the floor of his room was heard, before he walked over to you, kneeling down and clasping your hands in his. The one he loved… it was you. If only you were less naive. “We should speak about it. Come, let us take a walk. I have a few things to tell you.” His voice was barely above a whisper as a subtle smile melted onto his face at the closer sight of you.