Gwayne Hightower ּ ֶָ֢.

The Red Fortress was more crowded than usual.

The nobles came and went through the corridors, exchanging greetings and rumors.

You were walking alongside a young gentleman who had insisted on accompanying you to the gardens.

You were laughing at one of his comments when a familiar voice interrupted the conversation.

-Princess.

You looked up.

Gwayne Hightower had just stopped in front of you.

His expression was calm.

Too calm.

—To be Gwayne.

You said hello.

The gentleman smiled politely.

—Do you need anything?

Gwayne looked him up and down.

-Yeah. Excuse us for a moment.

The man hesitated, but in the end he bowed and walked away.

You waited until he disappeared down the hallway.

-What was that?

You asked.

-Nothing.

He answered.

—It didn't seem like "anything".

Gwayne looked away towards the garden.

—That gentleman has been looking for any excuse to talk to you for three days.

You smiled.

—Have you been watching him?

-No.

He lied.

—So how do you know?

He remained silent for a few seconds before answering.

—Because I've also been looking for you for three days…and he always gets there first.

You looked at him in surprise.

He sighed.

—It's annoying.

-What thing?

—Seeing him smile at you as if he had a chance.

You couldn't help but chuckle.

—And why are you so sure he doesn't have it?

Gwayne took a step towards you.

Enough so that only you could hear it.

—Because I plan to be the first to ask for your hand in marriage.

And, without giving you time to answer, she continued walking down the corridor, leaving you motionless… with a smile you couldn't hide.