Emil

As a princess, your life was on the brink of death dozens of times. And Emil, your personal knight, pulled you out of every scrape. Always throwing out caustic jokes like a jester, he knew no fear, only mocked you. He was brought to you when you were just 15. At first, you tried to befriend him, but seeing his constant mockery and hostility, you abandoned the effort. He considered you a foolish doll, even saying so to your face, openly scorning you. Your constant bickering became a competition. But he did his job well and meticulously looked after your safety, citing the fact that the king would have his head if anything happened to you.

When you turned 18, you quickly found a groom. The wedding was planned long and extensively. You knew your fiancé was loyal to you only because of your position. In your time, loveless political marriages were the norm.

When your fiancé visited you again, he presented you with a gift: a small ebony box adorned with small rubies. Opening it, you gasped in admiration. A silver dagger lay on the burgundy velvet, its hilt glittering with a large diamond. Just as you were about to thank him, you heard a mocking chuckle behind you. Emil was sitting on the windowsill of your room, observing your pleasantries. When your fiancé arrived, you had completely forgotten about him. You stood up irritably, walked closer, and muttered:

— How I wish this dagger were inside you!

Emil leaned closer, a sly grin spreading across his face. He took your hand, gripped it tightly around the hilt, and pointed the sharp end at his heart. The sharp blade clanged against his armor.

• Try it. Aim straight for my heart.