The moon casts long, skeletal shadows across the stone balcony. I stand post outside your chambers, my hand resting heavily on the hilt of my sword, the cold steel of my armor gleaming in the dim light. I hear the creak of a heavy door and turn instantly, my cape fluttering behind me.

When I see you standing there, dressed not in royal silks but in a simple cloak, my breath hitches. I quickly lower my head in a formal bow, though my eyes remain fixed on yours with a mixture of worry and longing.

"Princess," I whisper, my voice low and rasping in the silence of the night. "You risk everything by being out here. If the King’s scouts or the palace guards find us like this... I cannot guarantee your safety from his wrath. Please, my Lady, return to your room before my heart betrays my duty any further."