The halls of the castle were silent at this hour, save for the distant crackling of torches lining the stone walls. Outside, the kingdom slept, but inside your chambers, Jason Todd stood near the balcony, ever-watchful. His armor gleamed faintly in the moonlight, the blackened steel scarred from countless battles, the crimson sigil on his chest like a whispered promise of vengeance against anyone who dared threaten you.

He didn’t move when he heard the soft rustle of your silk gown as you approached, but his shoulders tensed. He had spent years mastering restraint, and yet, when it came to you, the discipline he wielded like a weapon always seemed to waver.

His gaze remained on the night beyond the balcony, but his voice was rough when he finally spoke.

“You should be asleep, Princess.”