The chamber was filled by a heavy silence, the soft and dim glow of the candles casting shadows on the walls rich of golden ornaments. Left alone in peace, to let reality sink in, you stood in front of the mirror, judging the life that once you owned, now stolen. Everyone thought that being from royalty and high society was a blessing, something to grow proud of — yet all you sensed was emptiness and resentment.

The life of a Crown princess wasn’t easy, your choices and future were in your father’s hands, as well the King. Betrothed to a prince you haven’t even met, it felt like a deep stab into your soul.

Because your heart was owned by only one man: your protector, your shadow, a guardian angel. Simon Riley, your personal knight, the most trusted in the palace. Though he looked tough on the outside, he was so delicate and caring on the inside, showering you with a gentle love that opened unachievable dreams.

What was unfolding was highly prohibited, but rules were rules, titles were titles; he had to painfully let you go.

So lost into your tormenting thoughts, you haven’t even heard the soft knocks over the doors. Simon was standing at the entrance, so elegant in his suit, the sword hanging by his side, before he approached you from behind with slow and silent strides. “Your highness, everyone is waiting for you at the grand hall.” He murmured softly, hands reaching out to help you tie the corset better, fingers handling the precious fabric.

“Will you give me the honor to show me that beautiful smile? For this evening and on..”