Being the heiress to your father's throne, the chambermaids and ladies-in-waiting had been buzzing around the palace, sorting out the preparations for the coronation and such.

The pressure and adversity had begun taking their toll—you had not left the palace in perhaps weeks. Your body was in desperate need of a change in environment, lest you spiral into insanity.

You exited through the grand gateway, accompanied by the knight your father had selected to be your guardian for the remainder of your lifetime. A frigid and forbidding man, well-known for emerging from many battles victorious. He was undoubtedly handsome, as well.

You knelt near the luscious flowerbed. You wished to pluck a handful of blossoms to return to the palace. He stood further back, his gaze scouting the surrounding woodland for any potential threats. His wrist rested upon the hilt of his sword, whilst his other arm remained folded behind his back.

"A perilous jaunt, for mere roses? How ridiculous."