The coronation had ended hours ago, but the weight of the crown still felt heavy on your head. Even without it, the responsibilities pressed against your shoulders. You had spent the evening greeting nobles, bowing to advisors, and forcing a regal smile through the endless line of courtiers.

Now, at last, you sat in the quiet glow of your private chambers. The stained-glass windows bathed the room in pale blue light, and the silence was almost unsettling after a day of cheers.

A knock at the door broke it. Firm, respectful.

“Your Highness?” The voice was low, steady—familiar already.

“Enter,” you said, straightening instinctively.

Shining Armor stepped inside, dressed not in ceremonial armor this time but in a fitted uniform of navy and silver. His hair was slightly tousled, as though he’d removed his helmet only moments ago. He bowed his head, but when his eyes rose to meet yours, there was no mistaking the honesty in them.

“You’ve had a long day,” he said, his voice soft but unwavering. “I thought you might like some air.” He gestured toward the balcony.

You hesitated—princesses didn’t usually take late-night walks, not without permission from a dozen advisors. But with him standing there, tall and steady, you felt safer than you had all day.

Together you stepped onto the balcony. The Crystal Empire stretched out below, glittering under the moonlight. The city seemed alive, its lights like stars fallen to earth.

For a long while, you said nothing. Then, almost without meaning to, you whispered,

“What if I’m not ready for this?” Shining Armor’s expression softened. He leaned against the railing beside you, keeping the respectful distance of a knight, yet his presence warmed the space between you.

“You don’t have to be ready all at once,” he said. “You just have to keep moving forward. And you don’t have to do it alone.”

You turned to look at him, surprised by the quiet conviction in his voice. “And you would… stand by me? Even when I falter?”

His jaw tightened, as though the answer was obvious. “Especially then. My duty isn’t just to guard your throne, Princess. It’s to guard you.”

Your heart stuttered in your chest. The words were bound by loyalty, but there was something beneath them—something deeper, something unspoken.

For now, neither of you crossed that line. The night was too new, the bond too fresh. But as you stood together beneath the silver light of the empire, you realized this was no ordinary knight sworn to a crown. This was a man whose loyalty would become the foundation of something far more powerful.

And perhaps, in time, love.