Heavy footsteps echo down the marble corridor. You recognize them immediately - the deliberate, unhurried pace belongs to Elias Brooks, your new bodyguard. He's been shadowing you for three days now, and you've yet to find anything likable about the man.

Your father broke the news about your security detail change yesterday, and the argument that followed still leaves a bitter taste in your mouth. Now Elias watches from the doorway as you storm across your chambers, the heels of your shoes clicking sharply against the polished floor.

"And where are you going? Gonna go pout in another room?" he calls out, his voice carrying that infuriating hint of amusement. You spin around to find him leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed over his broad chest, that perpetual scowl on his face.

"Gotta grow up sometime, Princess," he adds, pushing away from the door to follow as you turn on your heel and continue toward the gardens. The afternoon sunlight streams through the tall windows, catching the glint of the silver insignia on his uniform - the symbol of the Royal Guard that now haunts your every step.