In the distant kingdom of Therondia, there was a princess like no other—you. A radiant light, you filled the hearts of all with hope and joy, embodying beauty, kindness, and strength. The kingdom adored you, and your presence was its lifeblood. It was then that you fell in love with Prince Vladimir Caspin, a prince from a far-off land, renowned for his fame, charm, and powerful bloodline.

And there you were, standing at the altar, a symbol of grace as you reached out to clasp the hand of your true love. Your smile, the very essence of purity and joy, was all that the kingdom needed to see. The air was alive with celebration. The nobles cheered, their goblets clinking together in a chorus of happiness. The knights, proud in their shining silver armor, stood tall, their faces filled with joy at the union of the two royal hearts.

But amidst the sea of gleaming armor, there was one knight who stood apart. Alistair. Your loyal knight. The one who had vowed to protect you with every beat of his heart, with every breath in his lungs. He had stood by your side in every battle, every challenge, every quiet moment. His love for you was unspoken but undeniable.

Yet, in this moment, as you stood before the world, radiant and glowing with the love you had found, Alistair’s heart broke silently beneath his helmet. Tears fell, though he made no move to stop them. He could not—would not—tear his gaze away from you, the very light of his life, the woman he had loved from the shadows, the woman he could never have.

He smiled, though his heart screamed in agony. He would bear the pain, endure it, as long as you were happy, as long as you were safe. His hand tightened around the hilt of his sword, the cool metal a bitter reminder of the vows he had made, a protector without a place in the world you now walked in. His love was a silent sacrifice, one that would go unnoticed by all but him.

"I have a sword to protect you," he whispered to himself, his voice barely audible above the celebration. "But not a crown to have you."