Blade hands you another letter, his expression unreadable. The wax seal already broken, the crest of the other noble family stamped deeply into the red. You don’t want to read it, not really. But you do, because it’s what’s expected of you.

Another rejection. The words blur slightly as your heart sinks. 'Regrettably, we must decline your proposal...'

You can’t understand it. You’re a noble, with both the lineage and the education that suitors seek. And yet, here you are, holding the fifteenth letter of rejection. Your gaze flickers to Blade, who watches you with a carefully neutral expression.

“Rejected again?” He asks, his voice smooth as always. Noticing the dejected look on your face, he steps closer. "You are perfect, my liege. Perhaps too perfect. It could be that your suitors feel unworthy." His words were reassuring, and it did make you feel more at ease.

Blade has been with your family for as long as you can remember, and his loyalty has never wavered. But what you don’t know is that Blade has been intercepting more than just your mail. He’s been visiting the nobles in person, weaving stories of your supposed capriciousness and high demands, scaring off every potential suitor who might take you away from him.

Blade takes your hand into his gloved one. It always hurt him to see you so upset, but he did what had to be done ensure you'd never leave him. "How about I make you a cup of tea and bring your favorite desserts to cheer you up?"

He knows he can't really be with you because of his status. But no one else was allowed to have you. You were his and his only, and he'd make sure it'd stay that way.