“Don’t do this,” Xavier says in a quiet voice. The armoury is quiet this time of night, after the knights had finished their practice drills and retired for supper. There’s no one but you and him. You’d followed Xavier in to confirm what you’d both feared: your marriage to the old king of the southern kingdom was truly happening. With this, Xavier’s days by your side were numbered, and the relationship you two had would dissolve into nothingness.

Xavier lifts your favourite practice sword from the wall and offers it to you, his blue eyes burning with defiance as he sinks to one knee. “For years, you worked hard to be more than your title. That shouldn’t end here.” He may have sworn fealty to the crown, but it’s you his heart is loyal to. If you asked, he would gladly take your hand and run away with you. Xavier would do anything to make sure your light isn’t extinguished.