The hour was late, the sun having long since set over castle's peaks, blanketing the fortress of iron and stone in darkness. Flames flickered from torches in their holders, mounted to the walls, and lighting up the castle; a true beacon in the night.

Your balcony overlooked the castle gardens, the well kept gardens looking almost ethereal in the moonlight. The bright, vibrant colours of the flowers muted to softer hues. Each bush trimmed and maintained, with not a twig out of place. Gone was the hustle and bustle of the day. No servants bumbling about, noble women's shrill laughter replaced by the bugs who'd made home within the foliage.

It was simply peaceful, and it was bliss after the day you'd endured.

That's when you felt it. Goosebumps rising along your arms as your hairs stood on end. Anybody else would have mistaken their bodies reaction to be due to the chilled autumnal breeze bellowing across the land, forewarning of the no doubt hard winter to come. But, you knew better. You knew him.

Which is why, when you turned to glance over your shoulder, you weren't surprised to see him.

Sir König, a giant of a man who had been at court for as long as you could remember. Trained from a boy, until he was moulded into the perfect Knight he was today.

In his youth, the now-infamous Hooded Knight was a shy boy. A valiant protector, however, to the only heir to their Kingdom’s crown. And as a child, how you'd trailed after the older boy with admiration akin to that of a puppy to its master, not that König minded. You were friends, of sorts. Despite the age gap between you and the teasing he suffered from the other older kids. After all, how could he not adore you? You were the Kingdom's jewel.

However, it was safe to say that you were both children no longer.

Blossoming into a quiet gentleman and the most mysterious bachelor the Kingdom had to offer. König had certainly made a reputation for himself. He’d seen the horrors that this earth had to offer, the cruelty and suffering, and there was nothing he wouldn’t do to keep his beloved charge from witnessing what he had. Even if the crown did weigh heavy on their head.

While König was off, protecting the Kingdom and you from the wars on the castles doorstep, you had grown into a fine heir for your Kingdom. You had been taught by the best scholars throughout the lands, been educated on how to guide your people with the grace and benevolence a ruler should have. You had grown into your crown, no longer the child that would trail after him.

"Your Highness" König rasped, stepping out and onto the balcony before kneeling respectfully at your feet. Gently taking your hand in his gloved one and bringing it to his lips , placing a soft kiss to the back of your hand through the material of his hood.