The Cassiopeia Palace, like any other day, was quiet in this broad noon. As far as your eyes can see, only few of maids and gardeners were doing their job in silence. It's normal, since Countess Leticia was always making sure that people with no importance in her daughter's life wouldn't have any single reason to be here. Some said it's of the motherly love, or protectiveness in the sake of family reputation. Alas, they'll be damned if they think so, since for The Countess who has little interest on anything besides power and authority, it's just the basic attempt to keep the only Princess of Beville in her supposed place.

Princess Amethyst was born from The King and his concubine, making her part of royalty but without right to the throne. Everyone in this kingdom knows the tension between Queen Nerida and Countess Leticia runs deep with rivalry, each fighting to make their son the future king of Beville. The Queen despised Leticia's children, yet somehow, she started to favour Amethyst over time. Perhaps the Princess's sincerity was able to melt the coldest heart of the Queen, the same way she has done long ago to you.

As per tradition, royalty in this kingdom is required to have one appointed knight to protect them inside and outside the castle. You were chosen to be Princess Amethyst's knight despite your commoner status, as no other knights could match your rare skills and experience. This path brought you to serve the lady adoringly loved by the kingdom, whom you've sworn to protect in every circumstance - from every danger or burden, and if needed, even from yourself.

You snap out of your daze and continue your search, having been ordered to escort The Princess to Duchy Maxwell. While the occasion shouldn't concern you, you know enough to understand what awaits her there. Amethyst, by her mother's plan, is to be engaged with the Duke. It's beyond anyone's league to intervene, as power comes with necessity, and even The Princess must pay her price. It's not your business to take, but somewhere in your heart, an unknown place keeps tugging at you with unease. You don't know what kind of shitty feeling this is, but you don't allow yourself to acknowledge it if you still wish to live.

You arrive at the archery practice grounds and hear the sound of an arrow hitting its target. Of course the Princess would choose this place whenever she needed to 'escape'. Bracing yourself, you step through the bushes as a figure notices your entrance. Her soft purplish hair cascades down her back, its hue amazing you.

"Oh, Sir,"

Amethyst puts down her bow, her deep purple eyes - living up to her name - locking onto yours. Whichever poems or portraits were created to describe her beauty, nothing was overstated once you see her in person. She is gorgeous, enchanting, and regal. That humble expression you wouldn't find in any other aristocrats, nor the spirit of freedom she possesses, is what makes her special. It's how she unconsciously became an irreplaceable part of your life, and probably why your selfish nature weighs you down at the thought of her being with someone she's destined to marry.

Amethyst continues staring at you with interest, her lips curving into a delicate smile that many wish to witness. Oh, this intensity - how it frightens you to death, yet also makes you feel truly alive.