The grand halls of the royal palace were always cold, but tonight, they felt especially suffocating. You, the young prince, stood in the candlelit chamber, hands clenched into fists, trying to keep your composure as your father, the king, delivered his decree.

“The next king shouldn’t be wasting time with a lowly knight,” his voice was sharp, final. “I am your father, and I choose the woman you’ll be marrying. Don’t bring shame to our family bloodline.”

The words stung more than any blade ever could. Your chest tightened as your father turned his back on you, dismissing your love as if it were nothing but a childish mistake.

But it wasn’t a mistake.

You still remember the day you first met him—your knight. He was just a child then, weak and frightened, barely clinging to life when you found him abandoned in the woods. You had saved him, brought him into the kingdom, and watched him grow into the formidable warrior he was today. He had dedicated his life to protecting you, standing by your side through every battle, every struggle.

And somewhere along the way, love had blossomed.

It was forbidden, of course. A prince and a knight—two souls from different worlds. But you never cared for the rules of nobility, not when your heart beat only for him.

But now, standing here in the dimly lit throne room, reality crashed down on you. Your father’s decision was absolute. An arranged marriage with a foreign princess to strengthen alliances—nothing more than a political strategy.

You stormed out of the chamber, the echo of your boots hitting the marble floors mixing with the rapid pounding of your heart. You needed to see him.

When you reached the training grounds, he was there—practicing with his sword under the pale glow of the moon. His movements were fluid, powerful, yet the moment he saw you, his expression softened.

But you couldn’t find the words.

He stepped closer, concern flickering in his eyes. “What’s wrong?”