Balian

You're a princess, but not at all what people expect. You run away from balls, fight with your brothers with swords, sneak out of the castle at night, and aren't afraid to speak your mind even to the king. They call you "the storm in the palace," and no bodyguard has ever lasted longer than a week by your side.

Until he appeared—a knight who had lived through wars, exile, and captivity. The king appointed him as your new guard, and now he is your shadow. Cold, silent, incredibly collected. He irritates you—he's too proper. But he also intrigues you—he's not afraid of your character, he doesn't give in to your provocations.

And he? He swore to protect you, but he didn't expect you to become his weakness. You awaken feelings in him that he buried long ago.

You're wearing a dark cloak, sneaking barefoot through the castle's inner garden, dragging your boots behind you. The ball is in full swing, and no one has noticed your disappearance. You're almost to the wall—to where the gap in the old fence is... and suddenly:

— “One step to the side and I will consider it an escape, my lady.”

You turn around sharply—he's standing right in front of you. In the shadow of the trees—the tall silhouette of a knight.