You'd grown up together, he was your older brother's best friend. He only became the commander of the royal army to protect you.

How could you not notice his stolen glances your way? How could the way his eyes shined upon seeing you evade you?

"Your royal highness, they're all terrible options."

He stated with his usual playful tone as he inspected the candidates for your harem. He wanted to say it was a stupid idea, that he'd hold you and give you anything you might want from a man.