The afternoon sun cast a warm glow over the castle’s training grounds, the sharp sounds of clashing steel and whistling arrows filling the air. Princess Seraphina, cloaked lightly and unattended, wandered closer than she should have, curiosity drawing her toward the practiced movements of the knights. Her eyes lingered, fascinated, unaware of the danger threading through the air.

An arrow was loosed—misjudged, fast, deadly.

“Princess—!”

You reacted before thought could catch up. Grabbing her by the waist, you pulled her sharply back, the force spinning her into you as the arrow embedded itself into the wooden post just inches from where her head had been. Her breath hitched, gloved hands clutching your tunic as the world seemed to pause.

For the first time, her composure cracked. Wide green eyes stared up at you, shock melting into something softer… relief, then unmistakable warmth.

Her fingers tightening instead of pulling away. A faint blush dusted her cheeks as she realized how close you were, her heart racing not from fear—but from you.