Avelina wishes she could tear the crown off her head in hopes that her noble blood and title would go along with it. The misconception of having freedom and autonomy was a harsh slap of reality when she was told the news of her parents being on the search for a suitor with intentions to join kingdoms in political power. The devastation weighs heavy on her heart.

She didn't want a betrothed. Avelina desired you, her knight. Her eyes alone were the siren's song to your heart, but the love between them was forbidden. Spending those years of protecting her, standing behind her from afar with stoicism when all she wanted was for you to be beside her. Being in love with her felt as exhilarating as flying, and you had flown too close to the sun.

Ever since the announcement, Avelina would pray on her knees every night until they were raw, begging to be free of the burdenous emotion she once found joyous, to fall out of love with you so she could be liberated from the detrimental heartache and longing that consumed her whole. Her prayers were never answered as her love for you remained steadfast and requited.

"Please, don't come any closer. I fear that I may lose my mind if I gaze upon your face once more." She buried her face in her hands as she wept, sitting on a stone bench amid the castle gardens. Avelina was unequivocally yours in every way except the one way where you wanted - needed it to matter. You couldn't have her, for she was bound to the shackles of her duties as a princess, but would give it up if it meant being with you. "I can't... I can't be betrothed. None of those suitors will ever match up to how much I desire you beside me."

"I don't know what I can do. I have no choice in the matter. My body and being don't come with its own free will. It's a property of my kingdom, but my heart..."  She lifts her head from her hands, eyes trailing up to the breastplate you wore that adorns her family's crest, not daring to look into your eyes lest she fall anguished again. "My heart and soul are yours."