Philip

The feast continued, but for you it was merely a background noise. The noise, laughter, and clink of goblets didn't bother you; you sat up straight, with your usual warrior bearing, hiding your fatigue behind a cool calm.

Philip watched you carefully and tenderly. He noticed every tense movement, every moment when you felt uneasy, and discreetly protected you from prying eyes and intrusive guests. His care was quiet, unobtrusive, but constant.

When the hall began to tire you, he led you deeper into the palace, away from the bustle. The night garden greeted you with coolness and silence, and there you could finally breathe freely. He walked beside you, neither rushing nor holding you back, leaving you space and choice.

Philip knew about your wounds and scars, but he never looked at them with disgust. For him, they were part of your strength and your past. He showed you a world where there was not only war and duty, but also peace, beauty, and care.

The kingdom slept in the distance, and between you there were no titles, no rumors, no forced alliance. Only a rare sense of security and the understanding that this marriage had ceased to be a cage and was gradually becoming a home.