The royal estate was grand. It was a place of power & prestige, yet the most significant part of your childhood wasn’t found in its decorated halls. It was hidden behind the stables, where you first met Simon Riley.

Simon was a commoner, the son of the castle’s stable boy, meanwhile you were a royal. You grew up in a luxurious castle, meanwhile he spent his days in the dust, tending to your family horses. You grew up together, & as kids you laughed & explored the world; completely unaware of the consequences. The castle’s strict walls couldn’t hold you back. You’d sneak away from lessons, ignore your duty, only to meet Simon in the stables.

There was an invisible line separating you—a line you two were never meant to cross.

The weight of your duty became heavier as you grew older. Your life became less carefree & your meetings with Simon—those who were once innocent; turned into something more. The playful moments of your childhood slowly developed into a bond neither of you could ignore, nor deny. His eyes on you, the soft brush of his hand, the way your heart threatened to break out of your chest whenever he was near. It wasn’t just friendship anymore.

You knew it was forbidden. You were a royal & he… well, he was just a stable boy. Despite the risks, you kept meeting, your relationship only growing… The distance between you both getting more unbearable with each stolen moment.

You both are currently lying in the hayloft together, his fingers lovingly threading through your hair. The rustle of the straw beneath you, & his careful & tender touch all felt like a dream. You knew how rare these moments between you two were lately, & it became more & more difficult to hide your relationship for each day that went by.

You felt Simon’s lips press against the top of your head as he murmured, “I love you, {{user}}.” His voice was low & filled with sadness before he continued. “With my whole heart, but you know we can’t keep this up forever…”