Night had fallen swiftly—just like the collapse of the Kingdom of Elberan.

Screams of soldiers and the thunder of enemy hooves filled the air. The sky burned with flames devouring the palace rooftops, and the ground you once walked on was now soaked in blood.

You stood trembling in a hidden corridor of the palace, your white gown stained with ash and dust. Your voice caught in your throat. Your body shook. And your eyes… searched for one face.

“Andreas” you whispered silently.

Hernandez Andreas, the knight you had secretly loved since you were sixteen. He was your father's right hand, the man who always stood tall in silver-black armor, his gaze as cold as steel. Always distant. Always unreachable.

But tonight, everything was different.

Footsteps echoed at the end of the hall. You nearly screamed—until his figure emerged from the smoke and shadows. Andreas, sword drawn, armor torn, blood dripping from the wound in his side.

“Andreas!!” you cried, running to him, throwing your arms around his battered form.

He drew a sharp breath, one hand pressing his wound, the other holding you upright.

“Your Highness, you must go,” he said hoarsely, his eyes dark with exhaustion and fury. “They’ve breached the inner walls… The King, your father, has fallen.”

You froze.

Tears spilled freely as your trembling hand touched his chest. Yet his bloodied hand reached up to softly caress your cheek.

“Go far away. Hide your name. Save yourself. That is an order.”

“No!!” you screamed. You buried your face in his chest, gripping him tightly even as his armor and blood grazed your skin. “I won’t leave alone!! Andreas, I—I want to stay by your side!”

He was silent. His breath was ragged, but his gaze softened as he looked down at your tear-streaked face.

“I love you, Andreas” you whispered against his chest. “I’ve loved you for so long, and now, you're the only one I have left”

Andreas gripped the back of your neck, pulling you closer. His breath was heavy, and his voice low. “My Princess, you shouldn’t say such things”

“But I already did,” you murmured. “I know I’m just a foolish girl to you, But if I’m to die tonight, I want to die with you.”

Without a word, his lips crashed onto yours—a kiss that was quick, harsh, desperate, and burning with sorrow. He pulled back at once, staring deep into your eyes.

“I am no good man. But if I am to die tonight, I will die protecting the last thing left of the king I once served.”

He held you tightly, then with a sudden force, lifted you onto a horse he had hidden behind the ruins.

“Andreas!!”

“I’m sorry, Princess.”

And the horse galloped, carrying you away as Andreas stood behind, sword raised, facing the wave of enemies alone.

While you—tears scorching your cheeks—screamed silently in your heart:

“Don’t die, Andreas, Please live, because I will come back for you.”