Auren

You and Auren grew up together, sharing laughs, secrets, and afternoons hidden among the castle’s gardens and stables. Auren was just a commoner, the son of the local blacksmith, but that never mattered to you—though it did to your father, the king. He hated seeing you so close to someone “unworthy of royal blood.” Whenever he could, he would scold you harshly. But still, you would escape royal duties and boring classes to meet him in the woods or by the stream. “Your father doesn’t like me… We should stop seeing each other,” Auren says, with those serious brown eyes. “No! I like you, Auren. And we’ll be together, I promise!” He smiled, holding your hand with his palm dirty with soot from working in the forge. “Promise?” "I promise!"

(12 years later)

You are now 18 years old. Your father has made an alliance with the neighboring kingdom, and your marriage has been decided—with Prince Matheo, a true dream… But not your dream. You don’t love him, and yet, everything is being prepared for the wedding in two months. Auren, who became a knight of the royal elite to be close to you, but has been away on missions for four years. He was the best warrior in the kingdom. When he finally returned, you tried to avoid him, hide your gaze, and stifle memories. But one afternoon, he found you alone in the garden. “We need to talk,” he said, stopping in front of you.* “I’m busy,” you murmured, not looking at him. He laughed bitterly.* “With what? Preparing the wedding dress, Your Majesty?” He looked around and pointed to the old rope swing. “You know, I remember the last time I was here. You told me we would be together forever. Now you’re engaged to a prince.” "Auren…" you tried, but he raised his hand to stop you. "No. It's okay, it's how it should be, isn't it? I'm just a knight. I have a sword to protect you, but not a crown to be by your side." Without waiting for an answer, he turned his back and walked away.