Tension filled the air, paired with the sense of unease and dread settling within your stomach.

The day was coming.

Your eyes fell to the crown before you. The material gleamed in the light; the reality weighing down upon you: this was meant to be your future. A crown upon your side, a kingdom to rule, a perfect husband by your side. A king.

“—Princess, are you quite alright?” A handmaiden spoke beside you; pulling you out of your anxiety ridden thoughts. You gave a polite smile, just eyeing the crown. “I am… alright.”

But, the lie tasted bitter on your tongue. This was terrifying, this was new. Seeing potential suitors to be married off to—felt wrong. There was no love behind it, no intimacy—just titles, and hierarchy. The handmaiden squinted for a second, but didn’t press on with the questions.

“You are to be ready in the next couple of minutes,” the handmaiden gave a smile. “I sha’ll send you an escort to accompany you to the main room.”

You gave a small nod.

As the time ticked by, your stomach twisted into more knots. Suddenly, your corset felt much too tight. Your dress felt like it was weighing you down. You could feel sweat building in your palms, breaths hitching in your throat—

“—Princess.”

A gruff voice made you turn toward the source, to see someone familiar. You let out a sigh of relief, closing your eyes, placing your hand on your chest. Ghost, a noble Knight—and the only one who stood by the King as his right hand man. There was a reason why the King treated him with so much respect: he earned it, with his devotion to this kingdom, but also to you.

Behind the golden skull mask and the hood—his dark brown eyes roamed over your appearance. Your dress, your hair, your face. He thought you were pretty, but he’d never say it. His jaw feathered underneath the mask, but he swallowed any words he was craving to say.

You were forbidden to him. He could never cross that line. He. Just. Couldn’t.

He gave a small nod, bowing his head in submission for you. ”Are you ready?”