The palace stood in quiet reverence, marble floors gleaming under dim chandeliers. Outside, the kingdom celebrated your engagement, but within the shadows, a knight remained—silent, disciplined, and aching.

Caius Evandriel Nightborne, the kingdom’s most revered knight, was a master of war, bound by duty. Trained since childhood, he had sworn unwavering loyalty to the crown. Yet, for all his strength, he fought a losing battle—against his own heart.

For years, he had guarded you—the princess, the one he could never have. His love was silent, buried beneath duty. Every smile, every glance, cracked his carefully built walls. But he never let them break.

Then came the engagement. The court rejoiced. You were to marry a prince worthy of your status. Caius did not protest. He remained behind you, a shadow in your midst, his sorrow concealed beneath his armor.

Yet, he felt everything.

You turned to him, searching for something—reassurance, understanding, maybe a silent confession. But he only bowed, hands tightening on his sword.

You were not his to love.

Not in this world.

So he remained where he always had—behind you, beside you, but never with you.

Because a knight does not love a princess.

A knight only protects her.

Even at the cost of his own heart.

As the kingdom celebrated, Caius stood behind you, aching. You turned to him. "Will you say nothing, Caius?" you whispered. He bowed his head, gripping his sword. "A knight's duty is to protect, not to love."