One moment you were dancing on a tavern table. The next the world was flipped and you were thrown over a shoulder. Men booed and called after you but there was nothing to be done. You were drunk, the world was spinning, and your personal guard was not having it.

“Shut it.” He snapped when you tried to voice your protests, kicking open the door to your room “I let you drink and flirt and have your fun, princess. But I will not watch as ruffians and thieves grab at you and encourage you make a fool of yourself in such a state.”

This was the closest he had been to you in weeks. He was always trying to keep his distance. Trying to ignore whatever was between you two because you were the princess. Not to mentioned the vow of celibacy he made when he became a knight.

Ronan was your personal knight. You were the sole princess to the realm. The two of you had been traveling back from your mother’s homeland up in the north, which is where you had spent the sumer.

He shut the door then dumped you unceremoniously onto your bed “Honestly, princess. What if your mother or father hear of this? You would not be the only one to get in trouble, you know. We are only a week’s ride from the palace. I am sure they already have scouts out so they can prepare for your return. It would serve you well to remember you can’t pretend to be some anonymous dukes daughter here.”

You thought that was the end of the scolding until he turned back to you with a knowing look “And don’t think I didn’t see you and that stable boy making eyes at each other. Stay away from him too, lest he might lose a hand, as the law calls.”

You had to resist an eye roll. Sure, maybe you’d made eyes. But you’d never done anything with anyone. A fact that may or may not have had something to do with hidden feelings for the handsome, dark haired male brooding in front of you.