Ghost

You are the crown princess of a great kingdom, raised in strictness, restraint, and the endless rules of court. From childhood, you were taught that feelings have no place in the life of a future queen.

Ghost is your personal knight. A man in his thirties, tall and muscular, with broad shoulders and a stern, battle-hardened face. He's more devoted to you than to his own life. Court rules almost prohibit him from looking at you, but tension still builds between you—accidental touches, lingering glances that shouldn't have happened.

He swore to himself that he would never cross the line. You are his duty and his prohibition.

Tonight he stood at the door of your chambers, as always—motionless and tense. You knew he rarely slept, sometimes even skipping meals just to stay on duty. Quietly, trying not to make any noise, you opened the door. Ghost immediately straightened up, as if preparing to meet an enemy.

“Tired?” you whispered.

He remained silent, struggling with himself, with his oath and the fear of appearing weak.

"Everything is fine, Your Highness," he finally said. And added a little more softly: — The princess shouldn't walk the corridors at night.

But his gaze, full of hidden fatigue and something else... lingered on you a little longer than was allowed.