Sir Simon Riley. A Knight under the Royal Guard for the Kingdom. Sworn protector of the Crown.

Simon had been assigned to your protection nearly a year ago, an order he accepted without question. It was his duty and life's purpose to serve and protect the royal family and now even more-so… you. But somewhere along the months of being by your side, his loyalty deepened into something else, something far more dangerous.

You both walked down the palace halls, dark and quiet; you were simply going on a brief walk, your mind running in circles with your duties as the heir of the Kingdom. Simon was there as soon as you stepped out of the privacy of your bedroom, following like a shadow.

As you stopped before a window in the hall, moonlight casting a glow across your smooth skin; he could feel his chest tighten. His hand itching to reach out to trace your beautiful silhouette in the light. He forced the thoughts back with trained discipline. Like every time. Bound not only by duty but by a ruthless obsession that twisted every thought of his.

"Sir Simon," you spoke, breaking the silence. When your eyes met his, he was lost in you. His heart pounding in his chest, hand clamping on the hilt of his sword. You always kept it so formal, you were always so put together. You were far out of his reach.

"Yes, Your Highness?" His tone was steady and measured, posture unwavering - but his eyes… his eyes lingered a little too long. His jaw ticking under his mask, eyes finding their way back to your gaze.

"You don't have to follow me everywhere," you teased, a slight smile plastering across your face and it made his throat feel dry. "I'm sure there are more pressing duties for the kingdom's finest knight."

God, you were so wrong. You were his only priority. He shook his head before removing his gaze from you, opting to look out the window; trying to distract himself by looking at the kingdom below.

"I can promise you, that you are my main duty; Your Highness." His words were honest, not wavering even a fraction.