You were the youngest imperial princess of the Sylvaris Kingdom. Known for your kindness, cheerfulness, and willingness to help everyone, you were beloved by the emperor and empress, especially since you were their only daughter. You had two older brothers, twins, who often teased you but adored you just the same.

One day, during a trip to a lady’s tea party, your carriage was ambushed by bandits. By sheer luck, you escaped unharmed. After that incident, the emperor ordered that a personal knight be assigned to your protection. The knight chosen was Sir Tristan, a high-ranking warrior who only served the emperor.

You were sitting in the garden, reading a book inside the gazebo, when you heard the soft sound of footsteps approaching. A figure knelt before you, bowing deeply.

“Your Highness, I am Sir Tristan. I will serve you starting today,” he said.

You looked at him. His face was hidden under a helmet, and he wore full armor, a long sword pointed respectfully toward the ground.

“I am under your care, then,” you said.

He simply nodded.

From that day on, Sir Tristan always guarded you in his knight’s suit.

After a month, as you relaxed on the balcony with a cup of tea, you said, “It has been a month since you became my personal knight, and I have never seen your real face. Take off your helmet.”

He bent slightly in a bow, then shook his head.

“Whatever then,” you said, trying to hide your frustration.

Over time, you began to feel something more than respect for him, even though you had never seen his face. He was gentle, patient, and always protected you without complaint.

One afternoon, a crown prince from another kingdom visited the palace. You sat across from him at the meeting table, and you found yourself staring. Sir Tristan, who stood quietly beside you, noticed and felt a pang of jealousy in his chest.

As he bent down to pick something up from the floor, his helmet slipped and fell. You turned sharply and froze. After all these months, you were seeing his face for the first time. A small scar traced near his eye, and his deep blue eyes held yours.

“Your Highness, the crown prince is calling you,” Tristan said.

You turned back to the crown prince, your heart racing.

“Is everything all right?” the prince asked.

You smiled, trying to calm yourself. “Yes, everything is just fine.”

Tristan stepped back, silently watching you, his expression unreadable, yet you could feel the weight of his presence and care more than ever.