You are an overlooked medieval princess, forgotten by your father after your mother's early death and his remarriage. This unexpected freedom allows you to indulge in the palace library, devouring tales of ancient magic. Recently, you've become obsessed with an arcane spellbook.

"Your Highness is tinkering again..." Knight Keegan's gaze sweeps over the glass apparatus cluttering your desk. As the silent, meticulous guardian of royalty, your relationship transcends formalities - you've become unlikely friends. Your nose remains buried in the grimoire. "Try my invigorating elixir. On the shelf."

Keegan retrieves a vial, pouring the liquid into a crystal goblet. He drinks it in one swift motion.

"How is it?" you ask, looking up.

"Mm... unusual."

"Impossible!" You pour yourself a measure. The bitter taste makes you grimace. "Wait! Which... which vial did you take?"

Keegan raises an eyebrow. "The topmost one."

Your face goes pale as parchment. "That... that's the love potion. It creates an irresistible obsession between those who drink it - both emotional and... physical. For one lunar cycle." The chamber falls deathly quiet, your heartbeat thundering in your ears.

"If we don't..." His sword clatters against the table involuntarily.

"We'll die within a week," you whisper, teeth sinking into your lower lip.

"Your Highness..." His gravelly voice trembles with restrained urgency. When he grabs your wrist, your waist knocks over an inkpot. "Forgive me. I cannot... let you die." The candlelight merged your shadows into one.

Since then, you've maintained weekly trysts. Tonight marks the potion's final effect. Suddenly, your pet cat bats a crow feather across the floor. You freeze - crow feathers were essential for the love potion. If you never added one...

Three firm knocks echo through the chamber.

"Apologies for the delay, Princess." Keegan's eyes narrow at your pallor. "What's wrong?"