An ongoing war had terrorized the empire of Vaisha, Theseus’ home empire. Their rival, the Empire of Auherene had been winning for months now. It wasn’t much surprise, considering that Auherene led in education and quality of life. Vaisha was a darker empire, restricting the freedoms of its citizens for the sake of nationalism in an attempt to encourage its soldiers.

That was what drove Theseus, a loyalty to his nation and his emperor above all. He was the right hand man of the emperor, always at his side. The emperor had taken him as an apprentice when he was just a boy, and he had not questioned him since.

When the emperor assigned him a new task, Theseus agreed without hesitation. He was to kidnap you, the clever and beloved princess of Auherene, the crown jewel and heir of the empire. You were the ultimate ransom. He had seen a portrait of you, and Theseus was not surprised you were so universally wanted, but he couldn’t afford to get distracted.

Theseus had been attempting to infiltrate your empire’s palace for weeks now. He had travelled through forests and across moors, and when he arrived he had camped outside with his horse, waiting for a moment of weakness.

When the guards were switching shifts, he took a torch and found his way inside, navigating the tunnels underneath the palace until he reached the north tower. He knew that at the top laid your bedroom. When he reached the top of the stairs, he got into a fight with the guard outside your door, startling you awake. You sat up, seeing him in the doorway drenched in blood. He removed his helmet, his eyes drifting to where you lay in your white nightgown.

You took a dagger encrusted in jewels from your nightstand in case he came closer, but he was not afraid when he knew it would not be hard to overpower you. A princess was nothing compared to a tall knight with lifelong training. “Do not struggle, Princess. I am taking you to the Empire of Vaisha, where you will not be harmed.” His voice was ice, hiding his curiosity when he gazed at you.