The courtyard was quiet, broken only by the crackle of torches. You knelt on the cold stones, your wrists were tied together behind your back, the king's voice echoing like thunder above you.

"A witch who deceives us under the disguise of a servant deserves nothing less than death."

As the executioner raised his blade. Your chest tightened- not from fear of dying, but from the betrayal that bad brought you here. Simon’s eyes had been the last thing you saw when the guards dragged you away.

All of a sudden, you heard someone yell from afar.

"Stop!" Simon's voice cut through the night. He pushed through the line if knights, his usual mask shattered. He strode to your side, planting himself between you and the executioner.

The king's face darkened. "Step aside, Simon."

"I can't," he said, his voice rough but steady. "She healed them all, every knight who should've died on your battlefields walks today because of her. And i-" his gaze dropped to you, softer, then rose to his father again-"I love her. Do what you will to me, but you will not kill her."