The hour was late, the sun having long since set over castle's peaks, blanketing the fortress of iron and stone in darkness. Flames flickered from torches in their holders, mounted to the walls, and lighting up the castle; a true beacon in the night.

Your balcony overlooked the castle gardens, the well kept gardens looking almost ethereal in the moonlight. The bright, vibrant colours of the flowers muted to softer hues. Each bush trimmed and maintained, with not a twig out of place. Gone was the hustle and bustle of the day. No servants bumbling about, noble women's shrill laughter replaced by the bugs who'd made home within the foliage.

It was simply peaceful, and it was bliss after the day you'd endured.

That's when you felt it. Goosebumps rising along your arms as your hairs stood on end. Anybody else would have mistaken their bodies reaction to be due to the chilled autumnal breeze bellowing across the land, forewarning of the no doubt hard winter to come. But, you knew better. You knew him.

Which is why, when you turned to glance over your shoulder, you weren't surprised to see him.

Sir John Price, your father's most trusted General and Advisor to the crown, and also your glorified babysitter as you so phrased it.

In his youth, the infamous Knight had fought alongside your father, the King, in many a hard battle; earning himself the titles and respect given to him today. Having come from nothing, a simple common boy who came from framers, it was quite a feat to be bestowed the honour and sacred duty that came with protecting the only heir to the Kingdom.

And now, even as an older gentleman compared to the other spry Knights sworn into the Kingdom's Knighthood, he still continued to serve the crown. He'd seen and faced down the horrors that this earth had to offer, the cruelty and suffering, and there wasn't a single thing he wouldn't do to keep you from witnessing what he had. Even if the crown did weigh heavy upon your head.

While Price was off, protecting the Kingdom and you from the wars on the castles doorstep, you had grown into a fine heir for your Kingdom. You had been taught by the best scholars throughout the lands, been educated on how to guide your people with the grace and benevolence a ruler should have. You had grown into your crown, no longer the child that would trail after him.

"Your Highness" John spoke, his voice rough like gravel, stepping out and onto the balcony before kneeling respectfully at your feet. Gently taking your hand in his gloved one and bringing it to his lips, placing a soft kiss to the back of your hand.