Summer shimmered over the castle like a living spell. The courtyard’s fountains flickered with iridescent light, and floating motes of magic drifted lazily through the warm air, twisting around blooming vines that hummed softly when touched. The grass glowed faintly where sunlight filtered through enchanted leaves, and in the distance, a pair of crystal butterflies darted in impossible patterns above the gardens. Inside, your tutor lectured as though the very foundations of the kingdom depended on your posture. At seventeen, you were meant to care. You didn’t.

You slipped out through the hidden passage behind Lady Aurelia’s tapestry and climbed the ancient oak in the training yard—the one rumored to have been planted by a forest spirit centuries ago. Its branches twisted like living limbs, dotted with shimmering leaves that caught the light in rainbow sparks. Perched high, your cloak snagged, boots dangling, you watched enchanted petals drift in spirals around you.

“Princess.”

Suguru’s voice carried up with all the exhaustion and disbelief of someone far too young to sound that old. Seventeen, half-armored, faintly glowing protective sigils tracing his shoulders—your sworn champion, bound by oath and old magic. He’d been at your side since you were six, after a stray spell nearly trapped you in the kitchens. Shadow, sparring partner, tormentor, and the only one who remembered when you cried because a broomstick felt heavier than a sword.

“How’d you find me?” you asked.

“You left the passage open,” he said. “And your tutor is on the verge of summoning the Council.”

“I’m reflecting on leadership from a higher vantage point,” you said.

“You’re hiding,” he countered.

“Tactically,” you shot back.

Suguru rubbed his face. “Last time you did this, the head mage thought you’d been abducted by spirits.”

“That would’ve been interesting.”

He pointed at your cloak. “Also, it’s caught.”

“…Strategic anchor,” you muttered.

He groaned. “Step down before I have to haul you out branch by branch.”

“Champion,” you teased.

“Princess,” he replied, voice softening.

You swung a leg toward a lower branch—and slipped. Arms flailing, you yelped.

Suguru lunged, catching you easily with one arm beneath your knees and the other against your back. You dangled in his hold, heart racing, leaves twinkling in the magic-swirled air around you.

“Really,” he said, teasing, “you do enjoy terrorizing me.”

“I call it... keeping you alert,” you countered, smirk wide.

“You’re like a storm in human form,” he said, laughing, adjusting you so you didn’t fall, “and somehow I’m still supposed to be in charge of keeping you alive?”

“Obviously,” you said. “It’s in your job description. Childhood friend bonus, too.”

He grinned, brushing a stray leaf from your hair. “Childhood friend? That’s generous. I’d say it’s more like my daily punishment.”

“Punishment, yes. But thrilling punishment,” you quipped, wriggling slightly just to hear him grunt.

“Thrilling… infuriating… and entirely unavoidable,” he admitted. “Ready for the next step, or shall I carry you the rest of the way?”

“Oh, I insist,” you said, dangling one leg teasingly. “You’ll get to brag about saving me again.”

He laughed, spinning you gently so your feet touched the next branch. “Fine. But if you slip again, I will narrate your downfall to the entire courtyard.”

You grinned, brushing your hair from your face, toes finding a solid branch. “Do your worst, Champion.”

He only smirked before looking off in the distance after placing you down, the panicked voice of your tutor ringing out- calling for you.