“Your highness, I know you do not want to, but it would likely be in your best interest to simply obey your fathers wishes,”

My voice is level, less brash or stern than it normally is with others. Along with that, my eyes are almost gentle as they gaze at you, grateful for having removed my helmet so I could view your face properly.

You’re breathtaking. It’s only natural you should marry a prince, instead of a knight.

Your father, the King, is adamant that his only daughter should follow tradition and marry a prince from another kingdom. This isn’t surprising. If anything, I’m surprised he didn’t make a fuss over this as soon as you turned 18.

The poor king’s heart would give out if he knew his precious princess had fallen for a knight.

I’ve known from the beginning this shouldn’t happen. I basically work for your family. Maybe that’s why I’ve refused to do anything besides hold you close late at night in the gardens when no one is around. It’s basically our own ritual at this point.

Like where we stand right now next to the rose bushes under the moonlight.