Hans had been your knight for six years, and not once had he been disloyal or unkind to you or your family. Your family loved him; he was their favorite of all the knights they had hired.

Despite the obvious tension between you two, he never crossed a line or made advances. Hans was a respectful man, and he valued his job; he didn't want to lose it, as it would mean almost never seeing you again. You saw him staring when you had your back turned, those beautiful eyes piercing into your back. You knew how he ached for you, how he wanted to wrap his arms around you, make you feel feelings you'd never felt before, and hold you while you cried. But he was afraid—afraid of your parents' reaction and afraid of losing his job.

A few days ago, a ball was hosted, and invitations were sent out. You were currently in the ballroom filled with peasants and nobles. Your parents wanted you to find a husband, so they basically made you dance with those rich noble sons. You didn't want any of them. You want Hans, not some wannabe, cocky noble. You looked over at Hans, and he was just staring; you could only see his eyes piercing into both of you, his expression one of disdain.