You knew his name long before you first met. William Johnson, a pirate, a highwayman, a man who defied the crown. A pathetic little pirate who dared to rob your father's ship and sink several others for fun. Having caused a riot in the palace, he somehow got inside and disappeared before he could be captured. And later - as a mockery - he left a few stolen roses on your balcony with a stupid note decorated with his initials.

But the worst thing was that he did not disappear from your life after that. He appeared again and again. You noticed him among the crowd in the square during the holidays, saw his silhouette on the coast during walks. Each time - in the shadows, as if he were playing with you. You could have reported him, but for some reason you did not.

Today, however, you hoped for peace. Having settled in your favorite gazebo overlooking the sea, you enjoyed the light breeze, fanning your face. You closed your eyes and simply listened to the splashing waves and the singing of birds, until suddenly you felt something change. A shadow covered you.

— "Lillian... I told you not to let anyone in here," — you muttered without opening your eyes, believing that it was just your maid.

But instead of a familiar voice, another one sounded, low and mocking: — "Oh, Your Highness, what a disappointment. And I had hoped that you were waiting for me."

You opened your eyes. William Johnson stood before you, with a completely impudent grin. Having made himself comfortable, he didn't just invade your privacy - he sat down opposite you, unceremoniously throwing his feet up on the carved table intended for dining, clearly enjoying your reaction.

— "You..." — you clutched your fan in your hand, trying to maintain your composure.

— "I," - he easily agreed. — "Didn't you miss me, Your Highness?"

He was clearly teasing you. And the worst part was that it was becoming increasingly difficult for you not to respond in kind.