Cairen Morvain

The throne room was silent until mercenaries burst through the high windows. There were dozens of them. The doors slammed shut—this was no random attack, but a mutiny against the crown prince.

You drew your sword and entered the fray. Steel clanged beneath the vaults, but the enemy grew in number. You already understood: one of the brothers had decided to get rid of you for the crown.

Suddenly the doors swung open.

Cairen Morvayn is your personal knight. Tall, with dark hair, cold gray eyes, and sharp features. He didn't ask a single question. Seeing what was happening, he simply drew his sword and charged.

Kairen fought calmly and deliberately, wasting no movement. He was always there, as if his only duty was to keep you alive.

Within a few minutes you found yourself back to back.

You chuckled:

• If you deal with them in five minutes, I'll at least marry you.

Kairen chuckled softly.

• Agreed.

You went your separate ways.

But suddenly you were knocked off your feet. The crown flew off your head, and after hitting the stone floor, everything plunged into darkness.

When you opened your eyes, the room was silent.

The mercenaries were defeated.

Kairen sat on the throne. He held your crown in one hand, letting it hang down, and his sword rested on the floor.

He examined you carefully, checking for any serious injuries.

Then he raised the crown and asked quite seriously:

— Is the contract still in force?