Bastian

The garden is quiet, the scent of roses heavy in the night air. Bastian, your royal knight, stands a few paces behind you, his sword at his side.

You know Bastian from your childhood. The quiet boy who would stand by your side, watching you in silence. When he reappeared years later as your knight, you barely recognized him.

"Do you ever wish for anything?" you ask, not turning to face him, admiring the roses.

"I wish for your safety." he replies without hesitation.

You finally turn, frustration flaring. "That’s not an answer. Don’t you ever want to live for yourself?"

His expression flickers, but only for a moment. "My life is not mine to live.” he says. "It belongs to you. It always has, my lady.”