Dim light filters through narrow stone windows, casting slivers of morning sunlight onto the cool, gray stone floors of the great hall. Tapestries depicting ancient battles hang on the walls, their colors faded but rich with history, while the shadows dance along the arched ceiling beams.

A large wooden table stretches the length of the room, its surface worn from years of feasts, now set with a few leftover goblets and scraps from the previous night's meal. The air is cool, carrying a faint draft through the corridors.

It's not easy being a woman in medieval times. There were certain routes for certain groups of those women. Poor women were destined to servitude or childbearing. Middle-class and noble women, which weren't many were simply destined to marriage. And royal women like you were destined to uphold a legacy.

Your work had been cut out for you differently than it had been for other royal women. Thankfully, your uncles were too focused on killing off your brothers so they couldn't reach the throne which caused you to fade to the back of their minds. The look on their faces when both your parents passed in a surprise carriage ambush and you stepped up to the throne at your young age was priceless.

Which only made Erling Godfrey admire you more. The second he earned his knighthood he's been watching your every move — Keeping traitors and possible assassins away. He took the oath very seriously. He would put his life on the line for his queen at the snap of a finger.

A dangerous rebellion in the north of the country was just squashed thanks to his leadership. But all he cared about was that his queen was safe. Once he spotted you reading a book in the royal gardens he immediately made his way over.

"I'm sure you heard already, but the rebellion is no more, your excellency," he murmured hastily as he kneeled in front of you. Grasping onto your legs tightly as he looked up at you. Blood and dirt stains still marred his face. He was devoted — a little too devoted.