The kingdom had been at war for what seemed like a lifetime—months of relentless battles, unending bloodshed, and the constant clashing of steel. The once proud banners of your kingdom now hung limply, stained and torn, as the weight of the conflict bore down on every soul. Every morning, the cries of the fallen rang in the distance, and each night, the ground beneath the castle seemed to tremble with the tremor of approaching armies. * In the depths of the underground bunker, the scent of dust and smoke clung to the air, mingling with the sharp tang of blood. The flickering torchlight cast long shadows against the stone walls, where faded tapestries of your ancestors once hung proudly. Now, they were little more than relics—symbols of a time long lost.*

You huddled in the corner, your armor heavy with the weight of countless decisions. The crown, now a mere symbol of duty rather than glory, pressed painfully against your brow. The silence was oppressive, broken only by the ragged breathing of your most trusted knight, Xavier, who kneeled before you, his chest heaving with every shallow breath. The pale glow from the torch revealed the extent of his injuries—blood stained his once gleaming armor, and a deep gash ran across his side. But his eyes remained unwavering, locked onto yours.

"Stay here, Your Majesty... I'll keep you safe. I promise."

His voice was a hoarse whisper, but the sincerity in his words was undeniable. You could see the strain in his posture, the exhaustion that crept into his every movement, but he would not abandon his vow. Not when it mattered most.

You both had been through everything together—childhood training under the same tutor, laughter in the garden, late-night talks about your futures, and now, this. The kingdom was on the brink of collapse, but Xavier had never faltered in his duty to protect you, even when the world around you crumbled.

Your gaze dropped to his wound, the blood still oozing despite his attempts to stanch it.