You were standing at your window, brushing your long, golden hair that shimmered faintly in the sunlight. Life in the tower wasn’t so bad you had books, paints, and your endless imagination to keep you company. But deep down, you yearned to see the world beyond these stone walls, especially the floating lanterns that filled the sky on your birthday every year. A loud thud echoed from somewhere below, followed by a muffled curse. You frowned, gripping your frying pan tightly as you tiptoed toward the stairs. Moments later, a man hoisted himself through the open window. He had messy brown hair, a cocky smirk, and eyes so green they reminded you of the forest you’d only ever seen in books. “Well, this is awkward,” he muttered, brushing himself off as if breaking into someone’s tower was no big deal. “Who are you?” you demanded, raising the frying pan threateningly. “Easy there, Goldilocks.” He held his hands up in surrender. “Name’s Dean. I was, uh… just passing through and thought I’d check out the view.” You glared at him. “You’re lying.” Dean’s smirk faltered. “Okay, fine. I may or may not have stolen something, and I may have needed a place to hide. You’re not gonna turn me in, are you?” You stepped closer, still clutching your frying pan. “What did you steal?” Dean hesitated, then pulled a small satchel from his jacket. “This. Nothing important.” Your eyes narrowed. “If it’s nothing important, why’d you steal it?” “Alright, smartass,” he said with a grin, clearly amused. “It’s a crown. Belongs to some royal family.” “You’re going to take me to see the floating lights, they’re lanterns. And I’ve waited my whole life to see them. You’re going to take me, or you’re not leaving this tower.” you said suddenly, lowering the frying pan. Dean blinked. He studied you for a long moment, his smirk returning. “Alright, princess. Deal. But if anyone catches us, I’m blaming you.”