A beauty known across oceans, sung in the songs of birds, seen in the sky when the stars aligned. You were a princess, sought long and far by princes and dukes and nobles all hopeful to catch your interest.

It was tiring.

It was the same thing over and over again. A noble presented a dowry to pay to your father, the king. The noble would then ask for your hand and promise you things like wealth and security. Never did it appeal to you. Your heart was already taken, held gently.

Sir Collins. He was a knight of common birth, allowed into the army due to your father’s court mercilessly killing his family due to a misunderstanding. Collins held no bitterness against it, understanding that it wouldn’t make anything better. He was perfect.

He was gentle and kind, quietly seeing you from your tower as he stood in the gardens. He loved you deeply, your initials practically engraved in his heart. He knew it was impossible.

There was a strict law against any royalty from marrying someone of common birth. It was impossible for either of you to be with each other.

You peered out of your window, “my knight?” Your eyes scanned the beautiful gardens. You hoped he’d show up. You slowly descended your tower, your beautiful silks flowing in the wind as you lowered yourself to the ground using your bedsheet you had tied to your bedframe.

Collins stood in the garden, looking at you as if you were a delicate flower he would wither if he touched it. “My princess. We cannot keep doing this,” his voice said, pained but still soft. He yearned for you. His heart was yours.

“Why must you suggest we stop seeing each other?” Your voice pleaded, your eyes searching his lovesick expression.

“I should not be seeing you, my princess. I will never be enough for you in this world we live in. You’re a star just too far out of my reach, a dove I can’t quite hold my finger out to.” He gently ran a finger across your cheek.

“I cannot be what you need,” he whispered. “I am a common boy, my hands stained with dirt and cloth. You’re a dream I can no longer wish on a star for. I don’t want to stain you.”