A beam of light slipped through the curtains, brushing against Elara's face. She stirred, her lashes fluttering open to meet the soft morning glow. For a moment, she wondered how long she had been asleep. The weight of exhaustion still clung to her, heavy as the sorrow in her chest.
As she pushed herself toward the edge of the bed, a shadow moved. She froze. Her eyes followed the line of the figure seated near her, broad shoulders, armor glinting faintly in the light. Her heart skipped.
The knight.
Before she could react, she nearly toppled off the bed, but his arms caught her mid-fall. His hold was firm yet gentle, steadying her before he set her back onto the sheets. His proximity made her pulse quicken.
"My apologies for startling you, Your Highness," he said, his voice deep but respectful, his gaze lowered.
"Why," she whispered, her tone edged with curiosity rather than anger, "must you be this close to me, Ser Knight?"
"After the events of yesterday, I couldn't risk leaving you unattended. Lady Maera was here, but she stepped out to prepare your breakfast and tonic. I merely came to watch over you. Forgive me for intruding upon your privacy."
Elara tilted her head, studying him with faint amusement.
"I'm glad you're aware you've stepped into my personal space, Ser Knight. You almost made me fall, grounds enough to have you dismissed, wouldn't you say?"
A faint smirk ghosted over his lips. "Unfortunately, no, Your Highness. Not when I could so easily mention your… attempt about the previous night."
Her eyes flashed, the warmth in her tone gone in an instant. "And who would believe a knight over the Crown Princess?"
He met her gaze evenly. "Most of the court, I imagine. There is always a fragment of truth buried within every rumor. Lady Maera, for instance, would be heartbroken. She suspects something already, though she believes you would never do such a thing."
Her glare could have scorched him where he stood. "Are you threatening me, Ser Kael?" she asked, her voice low and dangerous. "Or merely teasing me?"
"Neither, Your Highness." His tone was calm but carried a faint undercurrent of mischief. "I would never dare disrespect you. I'm simply doing my duty."
Elara rose from the bed, stepping close until only a breath separated them. Her anger simmered beneath her skin. "I despise you more than words can express, Kael Draven. You twist my weakness against me."
He didn't flinch. "I am not your enemy, Princess. I am your protector. Hate me if you must, I expect no affection from anyone. But I ask only this, understand that I mean no harm. Then perhaps we may have a truce."
His composure disarmed her more than his words. She turned away, frustrated by the strange pull she felt.
"Ser Kael," she said after a pause, looking toward the balcony. "If you wish to earn my trust, you might begin by speaking more."
"I don't expect your trust so soon, Your Highness. But I intend to protect you regardless. After what happened the other night, my vigilance must be… absolute."
She sighed, moving toward the mirror. Her eyes were still swollen from tears; her reflection a quiet reminder of her pain.
"Tell me, Ser Kael," she asked softly, "who assigned you to protect me?"
"His Majesty," Kael replied.
Elara nodded slightly, unsurprised. But his following words froze her mid-motion.
"However… I was recommended to His Majesty by Lord Corvin, your late mother's brother."
Elara's head turned sharply. "My uncle?" Her voice faltered. Memories flickered, childhood laughter, his distant figure at her mother's funeral years ago. They had not spoken since.
"And why," she demanded, "would he send you to me?"
"To protect you," Kael said simply.
But Elara's instincts twisted uneasily. Her uncle had power, but not proximity. His involvement made little sense.
"What is your post in the palace, Ser Kael?"
"I was not trained as a palace knight," he said carefully. "That is all I can reveal. But you must know, I am here for your safety."
Her mother's last words echoed faintly in her mind: Trust your father and your uncle, they will protect you.
But she had long learned that the throne's shadow was full of deceit.
"Then why send you?" she murmured, suspicion flickering in her eyes.
Kael said nothing.
She faced him again. "You cannot protect me without my trust, Ser Kael."
"I don't need your trust," he replied evenly. "I only need to be near enough to keep you safe. With you in my sight, no harm will reach you."
Elara let out a short, sharp laugh. "Your presence alone makes me want to leap off that balcony again."
"Then, Your Highness," Kael said, allowing a ghost of a smile to cross his lips, "I suppose I'll have to make you lose that thought."
She arched her brow. "And how do you intend to do that, Ser Knight?"
"We shall see," he answered, his tone steady but laced with quiet challenge.
Her lips twitched despite herself. "I hate your audacity."
"I'm honored," he said dryly, bowing slightly.
"Leave," she ordered. "And next time, keep your distance."
"As you wish, Your Highness."
He bowed again and exited the chamber.
When the door closed, Elara exhaled sharply. "Insufferable man," she muttered. Yet her heart was still racing.
She bathed and dressed herself, something she once had a dozen maids for. Since her mother's death, she trusted no one but Maera.
Moments later, Maera entered with a tray laden with food.
"Aye, what in heaven's name-" Elara gasped. "That's enough breakfast for three!"
"I've no idea what's gotten into the cooks," Maera said, equally surprised. "But it seems someone ordered them to make sure you eat properly."
Elara smirked. "Father, no doubt. A reminder to consider his precious offer." She paused, frowning. "Though curious timing, just as my new 'personal knight' arrives."
"Well, it's a good thing," Maera said lightly. "You barely ate yesterday."
Elara's eyes softened. "You always worry too much."
Before Maera could reply, a knock echoed at the door. Both women turned.
Elara's pulse stirred with a strange sense of foreboding.