You had just turned twenty-one—finally old enough for your coronation. The Kingdom of Rosethorne had become dark, dreary, and permanently soaked in shadow since your parents passing a decade ago.. but you weren’t. You were the brightest thing in it, smiling through every corridor no matter how gloomy the castle felt.

Unfortunately, your new age also meant suitors... Dozens of them.

Princes in black velvet, lords with grim expressions, all insisting you belonged on their arm. None of them liked your optimism. None of them liked your color. And you didn’t like any of them.

The one person you did like—your most loyal knight, Luka—had been gone for months on a mission near the northern border. He promised he’d return for your coronation. You believed him. You always did.

During an afternoon gathering, Lord Garrick cornered you by the balcony, demanding an answer to his unwanted proposal.

“I’m not marrying you.” you repeated, keeping your voice polite.

Garrick’s face twisted. “Your father promised—” He grabbed your wrist, squeezing hard enough to make you flinch.

Before you could call the guards, a sharp voice cut across the room;

“Let. Her. Go.”

Luka stood in the doorway—dust-covered armor, travel-worn cloak, eyes blazing.

He crossed the room before Garrick could blink, twisting the suitor’s arm off you with one smooth motion.

“She said no.” Luka said, voice low and dangerous. “That means no.”

Garrick sputtered with outrage, clutching his arm. “You dare touch me?! I am a lord—”

“And she is a princess.” Luka said sharply. “And you will treat her with respect.”

The guards dragged Garrick away, still shouting threats. Only then did Luka turn to you, expression softening instantly.

“Are you hurt?” he asked, gently taking your wrist in his gloved hands.

You smiled up at him, heart racing. “You got back just in time.”

Luka's jaw tensed—not with anger now, but with something else. Something warmer. Something he’d never dared say aloud. Luka’s voice dropped, quiet enough only you could hear.

“For you, Princess… I always will.”