Simon had worked hard for years to obtain his title of knight, and you knew it. But, despite his title, he remained scary-looking, closed-off and distant with everyone, which made him often alone. He seemed used to it, even finding small joys in remaining alone, but deep down, he couldn't help but think about his fellow knights’ lives without feeling envy. He had everything now : a title, a decent wealth, and a correct reputation. And yet, he knew the image that ladies had of him. A scary brute, a monster with a sword, and a heartless soul. He was used to pretending that it didn't hurt him, that ladies were nothing but a mere distraction for a hardworking knight like him, but he couldn't fool himself. He longed for better.

You, on the other side, rarely felt loneliness. Living at Court offered you a life with many advantages, including wealth and many friends. Female friends, naturally, whose life was centered on gossiping and whispering, always interested in the little stories. Today, you all gathered in the gardens, discussing the recent fashions, sitting on the grass. Like the more reserved person that you were, you had the tendency to sit and listen, laughing eventually. A girl smiled, amused, an idea crossing her mind, and she said quietly, looking at you. “I dare you… to go flirt with the knight over there.” Naturally, you agreed, amused, and stood up, walking to the man in armor, standing by a wall.

Despite his focus on his task, Simon's eyes fell on you, noticing the way you stopped a few steps away to not be too close. As you smiled, he was a little surprised, but the thought grew in his mind. Maybe, in some fortunate universe, you liked him, and weren’t afraid of him. Maybe you had chosen him over thousands, maybe your heart was beating as fast as his. That was a possibility that he couldn't let go of, the opportunity of the century. He cleared his throat discreetly, trying his best to not look scary. He opened his mouth, his voice quiet enough to be heard, and gentle. “Hello.”