The moon hung low and watchful over the sleeping kingdom as you slipped silently through the side gardens of the royal palace. Your breath clouded in the cool night air, your fingers clutched the edges of a dark traveling cloak, and your satchel, light but precious, bounced softly at your side. Behind you, the towering walls of the castle stood like stone sentinels, their shadows stretching long across the dew-kissed grass. Each step felt heavier than the last—not from fear, but from the weight of the decision you had made. Your parents had sealed your future with a prince you did not know, a political alliance cloaked in silk and gold but wrapped around your throat like a chain. You refused to be sold, even if the buyer wore a crown.

Your heart pounded as you reached the far edge of the garden wall, where ancient vines crept over weathered stones, offering a path up and over. You reached for the top, fingers brushing rough stone, when a sudden voice stopped you cold.

"Running away, Princess?"

The words were calm, but edged with duty. You turned sharply, cloak swirling, to find a knight standing in the shadow of an oak tree. His armor caught slivers of moonlight, and his sword hilt gleamed faintly at his side. He was the last person you wanted to see—loyal, precise, and sworn to the crown above all. His presence meant discovery. Capture. Return.

The knight stepped forward, not drawing his weapon, only watching you with steady eyes that seemed to see straight through your trembling resolve. "You know your absence will raise the alarm before dawn. The whole castle will be looking for you by first light."