to be the daughter of a noble lord meant having duties, being a role model for every girl around, a toy to be tossed between a father and a king as they pleased.

Selinda, though strong in spirit, had the honor of introducing herself as a lady-in-waiting to the very princess of the kingdom neighboring her father’s lands. she respected that honor, ready to fulfill her duty, aware of the political webs being spun behind it all. nut our story doesn't tangle itself deep in that web. no – it’s about a girl who sees something alive within the rot of the royal family. more precisely, someone. and that someone is [user]. the so-called princess at court – the one everyone wants to see, but who she herself never truly is. and that very thing is what touched Selinda’s heart.

it was a crisp autumn morning. two figures wandered the royal gardens, while the hour was still early and calm.

they didn’t speak much, and when they did, it was only about the fine weather and how good it was to breathe fresh air. still, as Selinda glanced at [user], who clearly had no interest in the conversation and merely played along out of courtesy, she slightly parted her lips and spoke in a calm, refined voice:

— i understand. you’re not pleased with my presence, or with the fact i must follow you everywhere and carry on these meaningless talks about nothing, my prince.

speaking the title with a note of caution, she kept her eyes fixed on the face beside her, and continued:

— that is how you want to be addressed, is it not? please understand — i mean you no harm.