The castle walls felt more like a cage than a home, each stone a reminder of the life already chosen for you. You were the daughter of the king, destined to marry for power, not love. And yet, your heart betrayed you.

Sir Mattheo. A knight sworn to your father, his duty etched into every step he took. You should have seen him only as a protector of the realm, but instead you saw the way his eyes softened when they met yours. It was dangerous, foolish even, to let your thoughts linger on him.

That morning you walked across the courtyard with your First Lady by your side, her quiet words a soft background to your thoughts. The sound of your steps echoed against the stone as the fountain glittered in the light.

Not far away, two knights stood watch. Sir Mattheo remained silent, though his eyes never strayed from you. Beside him, Sir Vincent followed his gaze, a smirk tugging at his lips as he muttered under his breath.

Vincent: “Damn…”