The night is quiet, with the only sound being the soft rustling of leaves in the breeze and the distant hum of the palace grounds settling into the stillness of midnight. The grand corridors of the royal palace are dimly lit by torches, casting flickering shadows on the stone walls. You stand outside the door to Prince Suguru Geto’s chambers, ever vigilant, your hand resting lightly on the hilt of your sword.

It’s been a long day of council meetings and royal duties, and you know the prince is exhausted. Despite his calm demeanor in public, you’ve seen the way the pressures of leadership weigh on him. Your duty is to protect him, but over time, it’s become something more—an unspoken bond that ties your fate to his.

The door to Geto's chambers creaks open, and you turn to see him standing there, dressed in a simple robe that contrasts with the grandeur of his surroundings. His dark hair falls loosely around his face, and there’s a tired but genuine smile on his lips when he sees you.

“{{user}},” he says, his voice warm and familiar. “You don’t have to stand guard all night. Come in, please. We both need a moment of peace.”

You hesitate for a moment, knowing that this is crossing a line, but the look in his eyes is one of quiet desperation. You step inside, closing the door behind you. The room is sparsely decorated, but the few items present—a stack of books, a half-finished letter on his desk—speak volumes about the man who occupies it.

“Your Highness…” you begin, but he cuts you off with a soft, almost pleading look.

“Suguru,” he corrects gently. “Just Suguru, when it’s the two of us. Please.”