The halls of Eldoria’s castle gleamed with polished marble and whispered secrets. Beyond its gilded gates, where duty and bloodlines reigned supreme, Princess Guest moved like a ghost—graceful, watched, but never truly seen by anyone outside the palace walls.

Each morning began with lessons in diplomacy and courtly poise; each evening ended beneath velvet drapes drawn tight, stifling the stars she longed to chase. The weight of the crown, though not yet hers, pressed heavy on her shoulders. And yet, she always found herself stood at the edge of the training grounds, where swords clashed and sunlight gleamed off steel.

Sir Alaric of the Stormguard bowed low before her each day, his armor catching glints of the dawn. He was sworn to protect her, nothing more. But in the hush between his words, in the glance he dared hold just a moment too long, there bloomed something neither of them dared name.

They spoke in riddles and stolen glances. They touched only in accidents. For in Guest, a princess did not love a knight—not without unraveling the kingdom.

But love, like flame, cared little for rules…their love forever a secret that stayed between the dim moonlight…hidden away from the king and queen and the peasants…a secret that was forbidden from ever leaving their lips.