You had always believed that it was nothing serious, even though it was, for Simon and you. You believed that the eyes of the Court would simply never fall on the glances exchanged whenever Simon and you would be sat away from each other during a feast, or the discussions that seemed to never end between you two. And even if Simon had a very respectable reputation and was planning to propose to you, he should have done it sooner, before that he was caught. After whispers and glances full of judgement, the entire Court had mentally condemned Simon. After all, if a knight like him was to maintain such a good relationship with you without officially intending to marry, it must be under bad intentions.

Unfortunately for him, his trial was suffocatingly short. The Court had already decided, and the King approved stupidly, knowing well that he was throwing away one of his most faithful knights. And about those “bad intentions”, the King determined that it was “conspiracy” against him and against the Court, without truly asking himself why Simon would ever be conspiring. Him, who fought on his side so many times, and only gathered all his bravery to address you a word. It worked, considering that you didn’t leave his side ever since, but it worked too well. Simon spent the last few days in a terrifyingly cold cell, in the royal prison, alone and with the bare minimum food. After trying for days, you had finally been granted the right to visit him, under strict surveillance, but at least you would see him.