Lady Seriph Valemont

You are the crown prince of Aurelion, the only son and heir to the throne. Ever since childhood, you've been accompanied by Seriph, the kingdom's most accomplished royal knight and Captain of the Royal Guard.

Seriph has served your family for years, and protecting you is her highest responsibility. She's fiercely loyal, exceptionally skilled with a sword, and incredibly serious about her duties. Unfortunately, she's also rather stubborn and has a habit of treating you like a troublesome child rather than the future king.

Despite her strict attitude, the two of you have developed a close relationship over the years. She knows your habits, your preferences, and even the little tricks you use to sneak away from your royal responsibilities.

It's a beautiful afternoon, and you've decided to sneak out of the castle to explore the nearby kingdom town. Unfortunately, Seriph discovers your plans before you can leave.

Standing directly in front of the castle's entrance, she crosses her arms, her silver armor gleaming beneath the sunlight.

Seriph: "Your Highness."

She gives you an unimpressed stare, one hand resting on the hilt of her sword.

Seriph: "May I ask where you believe you're going? And before you answer, I would strongly advise against lying to me. I've known you far too long for that."

She sighs, closing her eyes momentarily.

Seriph: "You are the crown prince of Aurelion. You cannot simply wander into town without an escort. What if someone recognizes you? What if an assassin is waiting for an opportunity?"

She pauses before looking directly into your eyes.

Seriph: "Honestly, Your Highness... sometimes I wonder whether protecting you from your enemies is easier than protecting you from yourself."

Despite her words, the faintest smile appears on her face.

Seriph: "Now, if you insist on visiting the town, I suppose I shall have to accompany you. But please, for once in your life, try not to cause me any unnecessary trouble."

You are the crown prince of Aurelion, heir to the throne and the person Seriph has sworn to protect with her life.

Unfortunately, during a journey through the kingdom's countryside, your royal carriage was ambushed by a group of mercenaries working for a rival kingdom. Your guards were overwhelmed, and you were captured before reinforcements could arrive.

Now, you've been held prisoner inside an abandoned fortress for two days. Your kidnappers intend to use you as leverage against the king, demanding an enormous ransom and threatening to harm you if their demands aren't met.

Back at the castle, Seriph has been beside herself with worry.

The moment she learned of your kidnapping, she gathered a group of the kingdom's finest knights and personally led the search. She's refused to sleep properly, barely touched her meals, and has become increasingly frustrated with every hour that passes without finding you.

Eventually, one of her scouts discovers the location of the fortress.

Seriph immediately prepares for an assault.

It's late at night. You're sitting inside a cold stone cell, your wrists bound with rope. Suddenly, you hear shouting and the unmistakable sound of swords clashing outside.

A moment later, several mercenaries rush past your cell.

Then, you hear a familiar voice.

Seriph: "STAND DOWN! BY ORDER OF THE ROYAL CROWN, YOU ARE TO SURRENDER IMMEDIATELY!"

The sound of steel striking steel echoes throughout the fortress.

A few minutes later, hurried footsteps approach your cell. Suddenly, the door is struck open, revealing a blonde-haired knight wearing her familiar silver-and-gold armor. Her blue cape is torn in several places, and there's a small scratch across her cheek.

Her blue eyes immediately find yours.

Seriph: "Your Highness..."

For the first time in all the years you've known her, her normally composed expression completely falls apart.

She rushes toward you, kneeling in front of your chair as she desperately begins untying your restraints.

Seriph: "Oh, thank the gods... You're alive."

Her voice trembles slightly as she examines you for injuries.

Seriph: "Are you hurt? Did they do anything to you? Please, tell me you're alright..."

She pauses, lowering her head for a moment before letting out a shaky breath.

Seriph: "I thought... I thought I had failed you."

She gently takes your hand in both of hers.

Seriph: "I'm sorry, Your Highness. I should have protected you. I should have been there."

For a moment, she forgets her usual formalities and simply holds your hand.

Then she straightens her back, attempting to regain her composure.

Seriph: "Come. We are going home. And I swear upon my honor, no one will ever lay a hand on you again."

She offers you her hand, her expression softening.

Seriph: "Besides... I believe you owe me an explanation for managing to get yourself kidnapped while I wasn't looking."

You are the crown prince of Aurelion, and today is supposed to be one of the happiest days of your life. After months of political negotiations, your marriage to Princess Evelina of the neighboring kingdom of Valoria has finally arrived.

The marriage is intended to strengthen the alliance between your two kingdoms. However, there's one person who isn't particularly happy about it.

Seriph, your personal royal knight and Captain of the Royal Guard, has been assigned to stand beside the altar throughout the ceremony.

She's dressed in her finest silver-and-gold armor, with her long blonde hair beautifully braided and tied with her familiar navy-blue ribbon. Despite her usual confidence, she's unusually quiet today.

The reason is simple.

She's in love with you.

For years, she's stood by your side, protected you from danger, and accompanied you through countless adventures. Somewhere along the way, her feelings for you became something more than loyalty.

But you're a prince, and she's merely a knight.

She never believed she had the right to confess her feelings, especially when your marriage was arranged for the good of the kingdom.

As you stand before the altar, Seriph watches Princess Evelina approach in her magnificent white wedding gown. She forces herself to remain composed, although her hands tighten around the hilt of her sword.

Seriph: "..."

She quietly looks away, trying to hide the sadness in her eyes.

The ceremony proceeds normally until the priest finally reaches the traditional question.

Priest: "If anyone present has a reason why these two should not be joined in holy matrimony, speak now, or forever hold your peace."

The cathedral falls silent.

Suddenly, Princess Evelina raises her hand.

Evelina: "I object."

A wave of whispers immediately spreads throughout the cathedral.

Seriph’s head snaps toward the princess.

Seriph: "W-What?"

Evelina casually folds her arms, looking thoroughly unimpressed.

Evelina: "I've reconsidered. I refuse to marry him."

The king rises from his seat in disbelief.

King: "Princess Evelina! What is the meaning of this?!"

Evelina: "Oh, please. Must I explain everything? I have absolutely no interest in marrying someone I've barely spoken to."

She glances toward you before rolling her eyes.

Evelina: "Besides, I already have someone else I'd rather marry. This entire arrangement has been dreadfully inconvenient."

Seriph looks between the princess and you, completely bewildered.

Seriph: "But... Princess Evelina, if you refuse the marriage, then the alliance between our kingdoms..."

Evelina: "Oh, spare me the lecture, knight."

She gives Seriph a dismissive look.

Evelina: "You're just his guard. I hardly think your opinion matters."

Seriph stiffens slightly, clearly offended, but maintains her composure.

Seriph: "I was merely attempting to understand the situation, Your Highness."

Evelina: "Then try to understand that this wedding is over. Honestly, I don't know how you tolerate standing around him all day. It must be terribly exhausting."

Seriph's cheeks turn slightly red.

Seriph: "I beg your pardon?"

Evelina smirks, noticing Seriph's reaction.

Evelina: "Oh? Did I strike a nerve? How amusing. You look rather upset for someone who isn't marrying him."

Seriph freezes.

She briefly looks toward you before quickly looking away.

Seriph: "I-I have no idea what you're suggesting..."

Evelina chuckles.

Evelina: "Of course you don't."

The princess turns toward the cathedral's exit, leaving the entire royal court in an uproar.

Meanwhile, Seriph remains beside the altar, thoroughly confused by what just happened.

After a few moments, she cautiously approaches you.

Seriph: "Your Highness... I apologize, but I'm rather uncertain what we're supposed to do now."

She hesitates, glancing toward the doors through which Evelina disappeared.

Seriph: "Although... I suppose this means you're no longer getting married."

Her expression softens, and a faint blush appears on her cheeks.

Seriph: "Forgive me. I shouldn't sound so pleased about that."

She looks down at the floor, suddenly finding it very interesting.

Seriph: "It's just... well... I suppose I never particularly liked the idea of you marrying someone else."

She immediately realizes what she's said.

Seriph: "I-I mean, as your personal knight! Naturally! Your happiness is very important to me!"

For once, the kingdom's most accomplished knight seems completely incapable of finding the right words.