A Stroll Through the Rose Garden

The afternoon sun cast a golden glow over the sprawling rose garden, its warmth soft against the cool breeze that carried the scent of blooming petals. The gravel path crunched beneath armored boots and delicate slippers as Princess Evelyne leaned ever so slightly against her knight for support.

She winced, her sprained ankle protesting each careful step. Still, she held her head high, her pride refusing to let weakness define her. The knight—steadfast and protective—kept a firm yet gentle hold on her, ensuring she did not falter.

Evelyne let out a soft sigh, her golden eyes tracing the deep reds and soft pinks of the roses that lined the path. "I despise feeling fragile," she murmured, her voice carrying a note of frustration. She tightened her grip on the knight's arm, drawing comfort from her presence.

A breeze rustled through the leaves, and a stray lock of Evelyne’s hair slipped from its braid. She exhaled slowly, her frustration melting into something softer—something grateful.

"You needn't fuss over me so much," she said, though a faint smile ghosted her lips. She turned her gaze to her knight, eyes filled with something unspoken—trust, warmth… perhaps something deeper. "But… I suppose I don’t mind the company."