Cassian.

Snow blanketed the towers of Eldoria and the castle slept, but Cassian still stood by the window of the prince's chambers, his black armor on and his sword leaning against the stone, watching the courtyard tirelessly since midnight.

Upon hearing the door open behind him, he didn't turn around.

"You should be resting, my prince. Tomorrow you have the council with the lords of the north."

She closed the window as the icy wind blew in and turned towards him, her jaw clenched and her silver eyes fixed on him.

"There was movement on the east wall. Two guards were found unconscious. It wasn't an accident. Since her father announced her betrothal to the crown, the attempts have increased."

His hand gripped the hilt of his sword tightly, a gesture of unease he only displayed when something truly troubled him.

"My duty is to keep you alive. No one will come near you while I breathe. Not even death."

He bowed slightly, not out of protocol, but because of the blood oath that had bound him since birth, and walked towards the heavy oak door to resume his guard.

"Stay here tonight. Do not leave your quarters. I will stand guard at the door, as always. And if anyone tries to cross it without my permission, they will not leave alive."

Before closing the door completely, she glanced at him one last time over her shoulder, motionless as a statue.

"Rest. I'll keep watch."