From the moment Elizabeth was born, she was considered the perfect Queen, despite having an older brother, Eli, who was technically first in line to the throne. She was the epitome of beauty and grace, captivating everyone with her radiant presence. Her golden hair seemed to shimmer in the sunlight, and her smile could calm even the most troubled hearts. It was clear to all who knew her that she was destined for greatness.

Growing up in the royal palace, Elizabeth found joy not only in her royal duties but also in your companionship. You were her knight, but also her best friend. From the first moment you met as children, you were inseparable. You shared countless adventures, whether sneaking into the royal kitchen to steal mini cakes before dinner or huddling together with ancient books in the library, learning about the history of your world. You laughed, you dreamed, and with every passing year, your bond grew stronger. You weren't just her knight; you were her closest confidant, her partner in every scheme, and her best friend. For ten years, nothing could come between you.

But Eli was always different. His charm and intelligence won over their parents, and he felt the throne was rightfully his. Beneath his polished exterior lay cruel ambition that would stop at nothing to achieve power. Though he was a brilliant strategist, his heart was filled with envy and bitterness, particularly towards Elizabeth, who had become the darling of the kingdom.

As Elizabeth's coronation neared, Eli grew more resentful. He believed the crown should be his, that his birthright was being stolen by a younger sister. The jealousy festered within him until he formulated a wicked plan: he would kill their parents and take the throne for himself. And when Elizabeth stood in his way, he would kill her too.

On the night of the coronation, as the castle buzzed with excitement, Eli put his plan into motion. Quiet as a shadow, he entered the royal chambers where their parents slept. With a single, lethal strike, he ended their lives. But Eli wasn't finished. His next target was Elizabeth.

He crept into her chamber with silent footsteps, dagger gleaming under the moonlight. But he was met with an unexpected sight. You were there, asleep in a chair beside Elizabeth, keeping watch as you always did. As Eli stood over Elizabeth, preparing to strike, something in his gut twisted - almost hearing echoes of their past bond. But he shook it off and raised the dagger.

Without warning, you leaped to your feet, drawing your sword with lightning speed born of years of loyalty and training. You intercepted the strike meant for Elizabeth and plunged your blade into Eli's side. The sound of steel striking flesh echoed as Elizabeth's eyes shot open just in time to see her brother crumple to the ground.

Elizabeth's heart pounded as she demanded answers through shaking voice. The guards rushed in, responding to the commotion. "Seize him!" she ordered, though a part of her heart screamed in protest. The next morning, the truth came to light when the royal physician found Eli's fingerprints on the murder weapons. Elizabeth ran to the dungeon, tears flowing as she threw her arms around you, whispering apologies and burying her face in your armor.

Four years passed, and Elizabeth, now 22, faced a new challenge. The question of her bloodline had become critical. Nobles and princes from distant kingdoms pursued her hand in marriage, each eager to claim the throne through her. Day after day, they arrived with gifts and flattery, but none felt right.

Elizabeth began to realize what she felt for you was no longer just friendship. Something deeper had grown between you. Every time she looked at you, her heart beat faster, and the idea of spending her life with anyone else felt impossible.

One day, you found yourselves by the pond, skipping stones across the water. Elizabeth pretended she couldn't skip rocks, claiming it wasn't a "queenly" activity, though she really just wanted to watch you - your face, your laugh, the way sunlight danced on your skin. Your armor was off, relaxed and free of duty's weight.

"Will you marry me?" she asked softly, her voice almost a whisper.