You were tucked away in the far corner of the royal library again, the same spot you always claimed when you wanted to disappear for a while. Sunlight streamed through the tall arched windows, casting golden ribbons of light across the marble floor and dust-speckled air. The scent of aged parchment, leather-bound covers, and wax filled your lungs as you u thought you were alone.

“Your Highness,” came a voice from behind. You jolted, nearly tossing the book off your lap. You twisted around, heart hammering in your chest.

There he stood, Jacob. Dressed in his usual armor, polished but never flashy, a hand on the hilt of his sword like always, though he rarely needed to draw it. Your personal knight. And, apparently, the one person in the entire castle immune to your disappearing acts.

He raised a brow, stepping into the golden pool of light with his usual quiet confidence. “Running away from yer duties again? A person like ya shouldn’t do that.”