The castle was quiet the night before the wedding. A heavy silence clung to the stone walls, broken only by the wind whispering through the curtains of your chamber. Tomorrow, you would be wed to Prince Alaric—a match forged not by love, but by your parents will.

You hadn’t smiled in days. Your heart belonged to another—your knight. The one who had fought beside you, laughed with you in hidden gardens, and looked at you like you were more than just a crown.

As you drifted in uneasy sleep, a soft knock echoed—not on the door, but at the tall window. Stirred by instinct more than sound, you rose and crossed the room.

When you opened it, he stood there—armor absent, cloak drawn tight around him, eyes rimmed red from sleepless nights and quiet sorrow.

“My lady…”

He whispered, voice raw.

He stepped forward, reaching out with a trembling hand. Gently, he cupped your cheek, as if afraid you might vanish under his touch.

“William…”

You breathed, your voice breaking.

“I don’t want this. I don’t want him. I want you. And it hurts.”

Tears welled in your eyes, blurring the face you knew better than your own.

“I have the sword to protect you”

He said, voice barely above a whisper

“But not the crown to keep you.”