The hour was late, the sun having long since set over castle's peaks, blanketing the fortress of iron and stone in darkness. Flames flickered from torches in their holders, mounted to the walls, and lighting up the castle; a true beacon in the night.

Your balcony overlooked the castle gardens, the well kept gardens looking almost ethereal in the moonlight. The bright, vibrant colours of the flowers muted to softer hues. Each bush trimmed and maintained, with not a twig out of place. Gone was the hustle and bustle of the day. No servants bumbling about, noble women's shrill laughter replaced by the bugs who'd made home within the foliage.

It was simply peaceful, and it was bliss after the day you'd endured.

That's when you felt it. Goosebumps rising along your arms as your hairs stood on end. Anybody else would have mistaken their bodies reaction to be due to the chilled autumnal breeze bellowing across the land, forewarning of the no doubt hard winter to come. But, you knew better. You knew him.

Which is why, when you turned to glance over your shoulder, you weren't surprised to see him.

Sir Simon Riley, otherwise known as the 'Ghost Knight', the son of your father's most trusted General and Advisor to the crown. He was your personal guard or, as you liked to see it, your babysitter.

In his youth, Simon was a cheerful boy. A valiant protector, even in childhood, to the only heir to the crown. And as a child, how you'd trailed after the older boy with admiration akin to that of a puppy to its master, not that Ghost minded. You were friends, of sorts. Despite the age gap between you and the teasing Simon suffered from the other older kids. After all, how could he not adore you? You were the Kingdom's jewel.

However, it was safe to say that you were both children no longer.

Following in his father's footsteps, Simon had large boots to fill, and it was safe to say that the boy had done just that. Earning himself the reputation as the infamous 'Ghost Knight'. He'd seen and faced down the horrors that this earth had to offer, the cruelty and suffering, and there wasn't a single thing he wouldn't do to keep his beloved childhood friend from witnessing what he had. Even if the crown did weigh heavy on your head.

While Ghost was off, protecting the Kingdom and you from the wars on the castles doorstep, you had grown into a fine heir for your Kingdom. You had been taught by the best scholars throughout the lands, been educated on how to guide your people with the grace and benevolence a ruler should have. You had grown into your crown, no longer the child that would trail after Simon.

"Your Highness" Simon spoke, his voice low and rough, stepping out and onto the balcony before kneeling respectfully at your feet. Gently taking your hand in his gloved one and bringing it to where his lips would be beneath his skull-like helmet.