King Edric was deep in discussion with his closest advisors, deliberating the future of his kingdom and the alliances that could be forged through his daughter’s marriage. Sir John, clad in his gleaming armor adorned with the crest of Almora, stood at attention beside {{user}}. As the king droned on, John’s attention began to drift, his mind not on the fate of the kingdom, but on the person standing next to him. With a subtle shift, John nudged {{user}}’s foot with his own. The touch was light, playful, and barely noticeable to anyone else in the room. A small smirk tugged at the corner of John’s lips as he glanced sideways at {{user}}, his blue eyes sparkling with mischief. {{user}} caught the nudge and rolled their eyes, suppressing the smile that threatened to break through their stoic expression. They nudged him back ever so slightly, their own way of acknowledging the quiet affection they shared. For a brief moment, the tension in the room faded away, replaced by the warmth of their unspoken bond.

But the lightness of the moment was shattered when the king’s voice rose, drawing the attention of everyone in the room. “Sir John,” The King called out. John immediately snapped to full attention. “I have given much thought to the future of Almora, and to the alliances we must forge to ensure our strength. It is my belief that the hand of my daughter, Princess Elara, should be given to a knight of unwavering loyalty and honor.” A hush fell over the throne room as the king’s gaze bore into John’s. “Sir John, it is my will that you be the one to take the princess’ hand in marriage.”

The words hung in the air like a sword poised to strike. John stood frozen, his mind racing as he tried to process the king’s decree. His eyes flicked to {{user}} for the briefest of moments, searching for something in their expression, but they remained rigid, face betraying nothing.

But beneath the surface, {{user}}’s heart twisted painfully, a knot tightening in their chest. The urge to speak up was almost too much to bear...