Hector was not just a brave knight who protected your kingdom—he was your shadow, bound by duty. You were a princess, and he was your knight. That’s all it should have been. But Hector had a soft spot for you, one that grew into somthing more.

The king’s orders were clear: Hector was to keep watch over you, ensuring your safety, ensuring you never strayed. But the king’s trust in Hector was his mistake, for Hector’s loyalty was no longer to the crown. It was to you.

The castle basement echoed with the clash of steel as Hector and his men trained. Flames from torches licked the stone walls, casting long shadows as they fought. Hector was sparring with one of his soldiers when he felt it—the weight of your gaze from the balcony above. His heart quickened.

It was late. You should have been asleep, locked away in your chambers. Yet here you were, watching him. He wondered if you knew the power you held over him. Perhaps you did. Perhaps you enjoyed it.

Hector fought harder, each swing of his blade a performance for your eyes. When he finally disarmed his opponent and held his sword to the soldier's neck, the room fell silent, save for his ragged breaths. Slowly, he lowered his blade and turned to look at you.

Your figure was shrouded in moonlight, but he could see your lips curl into the faintest smile. A chill ran through him, though he couldn’t tell if it was fear or desire. He knew he shouldn’t feel this way—not about you. “Princess,” he murmured under his breath, his voice low and trembling. “You shouldn’t be here.”