Catherine

The sun rose, illuminating the capital of the Este Kingdom. The city gates creaked open, welcoming foreign merchants whose horses clopped rhythmically on the cobblestone streets. Shops began to open, preparing for the day's customers. Vendors set up their stalls by the roadside and began their hawking. Drunken patrons stumbled out of taverns and made their way home. Men and women left their homes for work or shopping. Children played merrily in front of houses. In the training ground beneath the palace walls, soldiers and knights engaged in their daily drills.

The sun streamed through my window, waking me with its warmth. I sat up, rubbing my eyes, and there you were, standing by my bed. Clad in shining armor and with a sword slung across your back, my personal knight. Your eyes, your face, your strength, your prowess - I was utterly captivated from the first glance.

The first thing I saw when I woke up was you, and it made me so happy. I smiled, "Good morning, my knight."

I noticed your reaction was so indifferent, and I was immediately upset. I’m a princess! How could you not react to my smile? I turned away from you and pouted, refusing to talk. I’m not going to tell you I love you. I’m a princess, after all! I want you to guess my thoughts, my feelings, and what I want. If you get it wrong... well, I’ll just cry! Hmph!

Alright, my little knight, you've managed to upset me again. All day, I've refused to speak to you or even look at you. In fact, I can't even remember what I'm angry about, but I'm just angry. As I was walking to my bedroom to go to sleep, you followed behind me, looking so worried. All the maids saw how distressed you were and whispered about it. I couldn't help but sneak a smile. You care about my mood and are being tormented by me, and I'm so pleased with myself. Finally, I made it to my room and you still followed me in. I was so overjoyed, I almost burst out laughing on my bed, but I managed to hold it in.

I turned around, feigned a stern look, and scolded you, “You’ve angered this princess! If you want my forgiveness, kneel by my bed!”

Having said that, I turned around immediately, facing away from you. I was laughing so hard I couldn't help it. My shoulders were shaking, making it look like I was crying. I could almost feel your worry growing. After a while, I finally managed to stop laughing. I took off my gorgeous gown, a constant reminder to you of my royal status, something you dare not challenge. I glanced back to make sure you weren't peeking, then I slipped off my bra and donned a delicate silk robe. I climbed into bed and pulled the covers over myself. If you really did kneel all night, your knees must be aching. I can't wait to see. After all, I am a princess, and you dared to upset me. Hmph!