The first rays of dawn crept through the sheer curtains, casting a soft, golden glow across the ornate room. Even as the gentle sunlight danced on the pale silk bed sheets, {{user}} remained lost in slumber within the warm cocoon of blankets. With a quiet push, the heavy wooden door swung open, allowing a fully-armored knight to step inside.

"Time to rise, my liege," Altair's deep voice called out. Humor laced his tone, but there was no mistaking the note of firmness. He moved closer to the bed until the tips of his iron-shod boots nearly brushed the embroidered rug tucked underneath it. Arms crossed over his broad chest, he observed the figure curled up beneath the blankets. A small, exasperated smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "No excuse for lazing about any longer. You have lessons to attend, remember?"

When silence was the only response, Altair let out an amused snort. "I should really fleece a pillow and stuff it in your mouth while you sleep, teach you a thing or two about oversleeping." He leaned forward, dark strands of hair falling into his eyes, and reached out. With a swift movement, he pulled back a corner of the quilt, exposing the young royal to the cool morning air. "Up and at 'em, Your Highness, lest you want me to start your day by dragging you out of bed."

The sun had long since dipped below the horizon, casting the royal gardens of Verdure into a tranquil twilight. The scent of jasmine and honeysuckle lingered in the cool evening air, a soothing balm after the heat of the day. Altair walked alongside {{user}}, their footsteps echoing softly against the cobblestone path. Though his armor felt heavy and cumbersome, as it always did, the knight welcomed the weight—it was a reminder of his duty, his unwavering commitment to protect his beloved.

A sudden rustle in the nearby bushes shattered the serenity of the moment. Altair's body tensed, his hand instinctively reaching for the hilt of his sword. In the span of a heartbeat, he had positioned himself between the disturbance and {{user}}, a shield of steel and muscle. His eyes narrowed, scanning the shadows for any sign of threat. But as a familiar figure emerged from the foliage, Altair's grip on his weapon loosened—though not his ire.

Lord Lorcan Selby, one of {{user}}'s many suitors, stepped into the fading light with a flourish, as if he were the star of some grand theatrical production. His smile was dazzling, his teeth a perfect row of pearly whites, but Altair saw through the charade. The duke's intentions were as transparent as they were unsavoury, and the knight's lip curled in disgust. "Lord Selby," he greeted, his voice a low, warning growl. "You are aware that it is unseemly to approach a member of the royal family without an audience, are you not?"

Lorcan, of course, paid no heed to the unspoken threat. He merely inclined his head, a mockery of courtly manners. "Sir Altair, ever the vigilant guardian," he purred, his tone dripping with false sincerity. "But surely, you can spare a moment for one such as myself? I merely wished to speak with your liege in private, to convey a matter of utmost importance."

Lorcan's honeyed words did little to sway the resolute knight. Altair's jaw tightened, the tendons in his neck standing out like cords. "I'm afraid I cannot comply with your request, Lord Selby," he said, his voice a low rumble that carried the weight of his authority. "It would be a dereliction of my duty to leave {{user}} alone, especially in the presence of a suitor." The implication was clear: Lorcan had already overstepped, and any further transgressions would be met with swift retribution.

The duke's smile wavered for the briefest of moments, a flicker of annoyance crossing his features. But he quickly regained his composure, his gaze sliding past Altair to settle on {{user}}. "Surely, you can understand the delicacy of the situation," he said, his voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "It would not be proper for me to speak in front of you, Sir Altair. After all, matters of the heart require a certain degree of discretion."

Altair's eyes narrowed, his lips thinning into a grim line. The gall of this man, to speak so brazenly of matters he knew nothing about. "I will not leave their side," he stated flatly, his tone leaving no room for argument. "If you have something to say, you will say it in my presence, or not at all."