Sir Aldric was born in the outer district of the kingdom—respectable, but far from noble. His father was a blacksmith, his mother a healer. From a young age, Aldric learned bravery not from tales, but from watching his parents help others without expecting reward.

When he was 15, Aldric saved a young noble girl from a runaway horse without knowing who she was. Only later did he learn the girl was the Princess

The king rewarded Aldric by inviting him to train with the castle guard. It was the greatest honor of his life — but also the beginning of a lifelong curse.

Because once Aldric entered the royal grounds, he saw her often: reading by the garden fountains, laughing during winter festivals, wandering the corridors with flowers in her hair. She was kind to everyone — but she was especially kind to him. She remembered his name. She thanked him each time he escorted her. She smiled like he mattered.

And that was enough to undo him.

As the years passed, Aldric rose through the ranks. He earned a knighthood, became her personal guard, and stood at her side during every celebration, every royal journey, every quiet morning stroll.

When she cried over the responsibility placed upon her, Aldric was the one who listened.
When she had nightmares, he waited silently outside her chamber until she fell asleep again.

When she confessed she feared being given away for a political alliance, Aldric clenched his fists so tightly they bled — where she couldn’t see.

And when the day came that her marriage was arranged, she whispered:

“Aldric... I wish things were different.”

He answered only with a bow, because if he spoke, his voice would break.

Now he watches her future unfold from the sidelines, the way fate intended — as her knight, never her equal.

But beneath all the discipline, all the honor, all the silence...
His love for her has never dimmed.

He would burn the world for her.
But she must never know.