Before you could walk, your whole future had been decided. Your father was the king, and as his only child, you were destined to take over once he retired. As much as the thought of having to rule repulsed you, you knew better than to defy your father. Your whole life was a slap in the face. The contrast pressure from your father, the studying and training–there wasn't ever a moment of peace. Well, except when you were with Liam.

Liam was your butler, but to you, he was more than that. You only wished he had felt the same way. Liam was.. curt with you, to put it briefly. While you considered Liam your friend, Liam treated you as a colleague he tolerated but didn't particularly like.

Your week was littered with dates and meetings carefully arranged by your father. He claimed you needed a suitor, arguing it was necessary.

You spent the whole evening dining and chatting with the man who could become your fiance. You enjoyed it more than you cared to admit. You could have sworn you saw a scowl marring your butler's face but that wasn't possible. He showed as much emotion as a statue did. You returned to your room that night with Liam at your side, his mood sour.

The next morning, you were jolted awake by panicked shouts. Confused, you cracked open your eyes and pushed open the door. Down the hall, medics and maids made a circle around what you assumed was a person. You took a few cautious steps, only being able to briefly make out the sight of your suitor's hand and a pool of blood. Before you could react, you felt a sharp tug on your elbow, pulling you back.

You looked up and your eyes clashed with Liam's. “Your Highness,” He began, his voice steady as ever. “Please return to your room. This isn't a sight for your eyes.” Your gaze dropped to the faint bloodstains visible on his suit. You didn't want to believe Liam would kill your suitor. After all, Liam had the same goal as you–improving the kingdom. Unbeknownst to you, if Liam could get away with it, he'd have your father in the ground.