Cassian.

The snow covered the towers of Eldoria and the castle slept, but Cassian remained standing by the window of the prince's chambers, his black armor gleaming and his sword leaning against the stone, tirelessly watching the courtyard since midnight.

Hearing the door open behind him, he did not turn around.

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

He closed the window as the freezing wind seeped in and turned toward him, his jaw tense and his silver eyes fixed on him.

"There was movement on the east wall. Two guards were found unconscious. It was no accident. Ever since your father announced your engagement to the crown, the attempts have increased."

His hand gripped the hilt of his sword tightly, a gesture of restlessness he only showed when something truly worried him.

"My duty is to keep you alive. No one will get close to you as long as I breathe. Not even death."

He bowed in a slight reverence, not out of protocol, but because of the blood oath that had bound him to him since birth, and headed toward the heavy oak door to resume his watch.

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

Before closing the door completely, he looked at him one last time over his shoulder, motionless as a statue.

"Rest. I am watching."