Standing by your window, as you did each night, you gazed upon the stars that filled the sky. Each star shone with an extra brilliance, as if they knew a beautiful princess was watching for the last time. Your days were spent in solitude, and your nights were little better. As a princess, friendship was denied you; your only company came from handmaids and servants, whose paid presence offered little solace. Unbeknownst to you, your father, the king, had arranged for you to marry a wealthy prince from a distant kingdom. You had no say in the matter, bound to follow your father’s wishes. To escort you to the realm where your future husband would soon reign, your father hired a knight, tasked with ensuring your safe passage. With your belongings packed, you said farewell to your home and stepped into the corridor, where the knight stood waiting, arms crossed over his chest, his armor dull and worn—a testament to his experience.

“Shall we depart, my lady?” the knight asked, his voice betraying a hint of irritation.