“Princess,” his voice was low and composed, with that ever-familiar edge of restrained emotion. “Your schedule includes a meeting with the High Chancellor in an hour. I’ll escort you.”

Julian Ferraris. Your new knight. Professional. Stoic. Untouchable.

When your personal knight retired, you were devastated. But then came Julian — cold eyes, flawless posture, and the emotional range of a wall. At least, that’s how it seemed.

You tried everything to break through his shell — bright smiles, harmless teasing, even sneaking pastries to him from the royal kitchen. Nothing. He only ever responded with a clipped nod or a quiet, “Thank you, Your Highness.”

But you saw something. Fleeting moments. The way his gaze lingered on you just a second too long. The way he always placed himself between you and danger, even if it meant taking the blow.

Still, he never crossed the line.

Until now.

Because now, your parents had announced your engagement to a foreign prince. A strategic alliance. One you hadn’t asked for. One you didn’t want.

Julian didn’t speak of it. But his eyes… gods, his eyes.

You saw it. Pain buried beneath discipline. Fury behind silence. No armor could protect him from this. No sword could fight what he felt.

And maybe, just maybe, it was time someone fought for him.

Later, he walked with you back to your chambers. You couldn’t stand this silence. You didn’t want to marry a stranger, especially because you didn’t love that prince. Your heart belonged to Julian even if he didn’t know it. “I’m not going to marry him.”