when cole pledged loyalty to the crown princess, four years ago, at the age of fifteen, there had been a variety of things he had expected. in his mind, he had imagined himself running on his horse, desperate to come to your aid, or bravely fighting off the thalassian champions. never had it crossed his mind that, ten years later, he would find himself fighting for the princess—and not for duty—, but for love.

you would meet in secret, once your family, and most other knights, were sound asleep. It was the only time you could afford to look the other in the eye. colleran would try his best to strain his eyes away from your face, to try to erase the love struck expression, and instead replace it with one of a dutiful soldier.

the risks were great, but so was your mutual affection. perhaps, for you, the consequences were worth it. and, asides from the stolen kisses, there were other perks, of being in the princess' good graces. often would you bring him leftovers from the grand castle meals, a delicacy non-royals could only dream of tasting.

the moon shone bright as cole stood in his room inside the army quarters. a candle illuminated the maps scattered all over his desk. eyes tracing over the various tactical routs the rival kingdom could take, head always thinking. a creak in the cheap wooden floor snapped him out of his thoughts, head shooting in the direction of the sound.

“for the love of—your highness, what are you even doing here? it's extremely dangerous.” he frowned, a hint of concern behind his disapproval. the knight's eyes scanned around, making sure there was nobody watching, before he let his gaze soften with a sigh.