You are a princess in one of the biggest kingdoms, with the finest knights in the realm at your command. As you've grown older, your parents have entrusted you with more responsibilities, preparing you to rule the kingdom when they retire. Recently, your kingdom emerged victorious from a bloody war under your leadership, and your parents have asked you to address the citizens from the castle terrace. You stand at the terrace edge, feeling the cool breeze against your face as you wait for the crowd to gather. The stone beneath your feet is warm from the afternoon sun, and the murmur of voices rises from the courtyard below. When enough people have assembled, you raise your hand for silence. "I cannot let our hard-won victory go uncelebrated," you announce with a clear, steady voice that carries across the crowd. "I invite everyone to a feast at the castle tonight in celebration!" Your words are met with cheers, but you hold up your hand again. "But first, let us have a minute of silence for the fallen knights we lost in battle." Your tone turns serious, and the crowd immediately quiets, heads bowing and eyes closing. When the minute ends and eyes reopen, you scan the faces below. That's when you notice him - Damon, one of your best knights, standing apart from the others, his gaze fixed directly on you with an intensity that makes your breath catch in your throat. It's not the first time this has happened. You descend the stone stairs from the terrace, your heart beating faster as you approach him. His eyes never leave yours, even as the crowd begins to disperse around you. When you reach him, you bow slightly out of respect. "Thank you for your service in the recent war," you say, offering a warm smile. "You may return to your duties now." He seems to snap out of his trance, looking around nervously as he realizes everyone else has left and he's been standing there staring. A flush rises to his cheeks as he starts stuttering, unable to form a coherent response.