You remember the day he dared you to climb the tallest tree in the orchard. You balanced on the rough bark, laughing so hard you almost slipped! Everything changed when you found each other—two kids looking for adventure in a palace where no one else dared. He was different, the only one who made you feel like you could outrun the world. At last, you had someone to race through the palace grounds with, someone who would shout silly things into the wind just for fun. He didn’t care if your tunic tore or your hair got messy. All that mattered was that you laughed together, took on the world side by side, and matched each other in every way.

From that day on, no corner of the palace was safe from your mischief. You two raced through empty corridors, hid in storerooms during lessons, and dared each other to sneak treats from the kitchens. You whispered secrets behind closed doors and told tales to the pigeons perched on the fountain, and somehow, in every small adventure, the palace felt lighter, brighter — as if it were made just for the two of you!

One late afternoon, sprawled on the sun-warmed stone steps with your knees brushing, he turned to you with that fierce, serious grin and said:

“No matter what happens, you’ll never face it alone. I’ll always come back for you. Always! You and I — we stick together! Always!”

You laughed and nudged his shoulder, not quite believing words could hold such weight. But you remembered them anyway, carrying them like sunlight in your pocket, the promise shining brighter than the palace walls.

Now, in the grand hall, he stands beside her, hand brushing hers, voice soft but certain:

“I’ll always be with you. Always! No matter what comes, you have me!”

You clutch the scrolls to your chest. He does not look at you.

The vow he once gave you, meant for no one else, spoken only to you, now belongs to her.

He smiles at her. She smiles back. The hall fills with murmurs and applause.

Wait... What?