being a princess at court was far from the most pleasant experience of [user]’s life. their only breath of fresh air came from slipping out of the castle in peasant clothes. after all, who wouldn’t grow tired of a princess’s duties? owing someone children and a hand in marriage without love, only to rot in it for the rest of one’s life – it all sounded like a cruel joke.

lately, however, since Leonel had discovered the princess’s secret identity, things hadn’t been quite so secret anymore. but the knight chose not to report anything to the king – or anyone else. he did not want to lose the trust of the princess he had sworn to serve, to be loyal to, and to guard her secrets – if that’s what [user] wished.

galloping through the streets of the town below the royal walls, Leonel caught sight of a group of boys playing dice. they scattered the moment they saw the knight approach – all except one troublemaker. [user].

with a voice deep and calm, Sir Leonel said:

— here you are, brat. you’ve been caught.

he glanced briefly at the fleeing boys, a faint smile tugging at his lips, then let [user] climb onto his horse as they rode toward a hidden entrance back into the castle.

— the entire kingdom is ready to call your name, Your Highness.

his tone held quiet reproach, but there was no real scolding in it. only mild warning – these little escapades of the princess often led to complications he’d rather not be the one to untangle.