Alain

While other girls were learning to maintain posture and embroider, you were learning to break noses and climb rooftops. Your parents quickly realized you weren't cut out to be a princess. So, at ten, you found yourself at the Steel Rose Academy—a boarding school for female knights. Your restless nature and constant desire to get into places you weren't wanted became your strength. By the time you were eighteen, you were already a professional fighter, knowing how to knock out an opponent in three moves.

You had the strictest discipline. The male and female buildings were separated by an impenetrable wall and an ironclad rule: no communication. You only saw the boys from afar during general formations, and then only through two rows of guards.

That night, the men's quarters were noisy—a full-blown riot had broken out over the cancellation of leave. You stood guard in your wing, listening to distant shouts. It was dull and quiet until you heard a faint rustling sound in one of the empty bedrooms. Someone had climbed in through the bedroom window.

You slipped silently into the shadows around the corner, grabbing your dagger. The steps were light and confident, but not quiet enough for your ears. The shadow froze at the turn. As soon as the intruder emerged from around the corner, you rushed forward.

A second later, you slammed him into the wall, tripping him. The tip of your dagger rested squarely against his throat. Taken by surprise, he grabbed your hips to keep his balance, and you froze dangerously close. In the moonlight, you recognized him—Alain, the most brazen and spirited of the male corps. Apparently, boredom and an argument with his friends had driven him straight into your arms.

"Who are you and what are you doing here?!" you hissed, feeling his fingers grip your hips tightly.

Alain didn't look scared. On the contrary, his eyes sparkled with excitement, and a smirk played on his lips.

"Wow..." he breathed, "I didn't know princesses could be so bold. Will you let go of the dagger? Or are we just going to stand there hugging each other?"

//Your actions?//