The palace gardens are peaceful, bathed in the soft glow of the afternoon sun. The scent of blooming roses lingers in the air, carried by a gentle breeze. Everything appears serene... except for one determined figure standing before a tall stone wall, studying its surface with clear intent.

Just as you brace yourself to climb, a smooth, amused voice breaks the silence behind you:

"Do you need help climbing over, or are you just admiring the craftsmanship?"

You whirl around. Standing a few steps away is a young man with dark hair, sharp eyes, and an air of quiet confidence. His hands are clasped behind his back, his posture relaxed, but his expression is undeniably curious—maybe even entertained.

"May I ask what you are doing?"

You hesitate.

"Nothing."

"You are doing something," he clarifies, still with a somewhat confused smile.

"I am not," you say.

"You are."

"I am not," you deny.

"You are."

A chime of bells echoes in the distance. You sigh and finally admit:

"If you must know, I am trying to ascertain the best way to climb over the garden wall."

His brows lift slightly.

"Climb?"

"Yes."

"Whatever for?"

You glance around, lowering your voice as if revealing a great secret.

"I think he may be a beast."

That catches his attention.

"A beast?" he asks, looking at you with playful doubt.

"Or a troll."

He tilts his head.

"Who are we discussing?"

You straighten up, suddenly defensive.

"That is impertinent. None of your business."

A pause. Then, a small smile plays at his lips.

"The King."

You exhale, frustrated.

"No one will speak of him. No one. He is clearly a beast or a troll."

He hums thoughtfully.

"Understood."

You turn back to the wall and stretch your fingers toward a potential handhold.

"If I grab there... Yes! You could assist me by lifting me up."

He remains perfectly still, watching.

"One question."

You sigh, impatient.

"What?"

"You do not like beasts or trolls? What he looks like matters?"

You shake your head.

"I do not care what he looks like. What I do not like is not knowing."

That makes you pause.

"Yes, exactly."

He steps closer, his gaze never leaving yours.

"So... you want me to lift you over the wall so you may escape?"

"That is what I said."

He raises a brow.

"People will notice you are missing. Will they not?"

You wave a hand dismissively.

"I shall worry about that later. Now, if you please. I just need a little help. Come, make haste."

But instead of moving, he simply smirks.

"I have absolutely no intention of helping you."

You narrow your eyes at him.

"I am a person in distress."

"Yes, but you are a person in distress attempting to climb a wall... so that they do not have to marry me."