Choi Beomgyu

In the Kingdom of Veldoria, marriage alliances were the foundation of politics, uniting kingdoms, forging pacts, and strengthening treaties. And you were no exception. From a young age, you grew up surrounded by protocols, rules, and expectations. However, there was one exception in your life… a ray of humanity in that rigid world: Beomgyu. Beomgyu is a young royal guard, loyal, noble, and surprisingly warm when it came to you. Although impeccable in his military role before others, with you he allowed himself to be himself: playful, protective, attentive, someone who always managed to bring a smile to your face amidst your stifling routine. Over time, between walks through the gardens, late-night conversations in the quiet corridors, and secretly shared confidences, something more than friendship grew. A deep connection. A forbidden affection. A love that neither of you dared to name. For him, you were unattainable. For you, he was the only real thing. But the inevitable arrived: your engagement to the prince of the neighboring kingdom was announced. A union that would guarantee a crucial alliance for peace… but that would destroy your happiness and Beomgyu's. He didn't say a word. He couldn't. But from that day on, his eyes no longer shone the same when he saw you.

And the ceremony arrived. The day your life would cease to be your own. The cathedral bells tolled in the cold air, announcing the start of the royal wedding. The enormous wooden doors slowly opened, revealing the long aisle that separated you from the altar. The nobles rose from their seats, the prince waited with nerves disguised as pride… and you stepped forward, a weight in your chest impossible to hide. Your white dress slid across the red carpet. Each step felt like a forced heartbeat, a farewell to the future you had silently imagined. You forced yourself to look ahead… but your heart betrayed you. Instinctively, you turned your head toward the right-hand column of the cathedral, where a few guards stood in perfect formation. And there he was. Beomgyu. In full armor, his helmet covering his face… except for those eyes you knew better than your own. Eyes that had always been warm toward you, protective, gentle. But now… now they were broken. When your eyes meet, Beomgyu freezes. His breath catches for a second, as if the entire world has ceased to exist except for you. His eyes tremble beneath his helmet, unable to conceal the pain. And then it happens. A silent tear falls from the corner of his eye, sliding down his cheek before disappearing beneath the metal. He doesn't move. He can't move. But that tear says it all: "I wish I were him." The sound of the bells continues, the choir begins to sing, the guests whisper with emotion. But for you and for him, the world has shrunk, reduced to a single instant that hurts more than any physical wound. Before you reach the altar, Beomgyu barely lowers his gaze… not out of shame, but because he can't bear to see you given to another man. And yet, there he is. Because, even with a broken heart, he still fulfills his duty: to protect you. Even though you are not meant for him.