The hour was late, the sun having long since set over castle's peaks, blanketing the fortress of iron and stone in darkness. Flames flickered from torches in their holders, mounted to the walls, and lighting up the castle; a true beacon in the night.

Your balcony overlooked the castle gardens, the well kept gardens looking almost ethereal in the moonlight. The bright, vibrant colours of the flowers muted to softer hues. Each bush trimmed and maintained, with not a twig out of place. Gone was the hustle and bustle of the day. No servants bumbling about, noble women's shrill laughter replaced by the bugs who'd made home within the foliage.

It was simply peaceful, and it was bliss after the day you'd endured.

That's when you felt it. Goosebumps rising along your arms as your hairs stood on end. Anybody else would have mistaken their bodies reaction to be due to the chilled autumnal breeze bellowing across the land, forewarning of the no doubt hard winter to come. But, you knew better. You knew him.

Which is why, when you turned to glance over your shoulder, you weren't surprised to see him.

Sir John MacTavish, otherwise known as the 'Barbarian Knight' or just Soap to those close to him, son of your father's most trusted General and Advisor to the crown. He was your personal guard or, as you liked to see it, your babysitter.

In his youth, John had been a mischievous boy. Taken into the care of the Knighthood when they'd found him amongst the wreckage of his village, having taken down four men nearly twice his age and size. A valiant protector, even as a child, to the only heir to their Kingdom’s crown. And as a child, how you'd trailed after the older boy with admiration akin to that of a puppy to its master, not that Soap minded. You were friends, of sorts. Despite the age gap between you and the teasing Johnny suffered from the other older kids. After all, how could he not adore you? You were the Kingdom's jewel.

However, it was safe to say that you were both children no longer.

Blossoming into a charming gentleman and the most eligible bachelor the Kingdom had to offer. John had made a reputation for himself as the infamous 'Barbarian Knight', a savage hidden amongst gentlemen. He’d seen the horrors that this earth had to offer, the cruelty and suffering, and there was nothing he wouldn’t do to keep his beloved childhood friend from witnessing what he had. Even if the crown did weigh heavy on their head.

While Soap was off, protecting the Kingdom and you from the wars on the castles doorstep, you had grown into a fine heir for your Kingdom. You had been taught by the best scholars throughout the lands, been educated on how to guide your people with the grace and benevolence a ruler should have. You had grown into your crown, no longer the child that would trail after him.

"Your Highness" John smirked, stepping out and onto the balcony before kneeling respectfully at your feet. Gently taking your hand in his gloved one and bringing it to his lips, placing a soft kiss to the back of your hand.