Elara stood before her mirror, the morning light streaming softly through her chamber windows, turning the air golden. She had traded her night robe for a long, flowing gown of sapphire blue, the kind that shimmered faintly when she moved, hugging her slender frame before spilling like silk water to the floor. Her hair was swept into a perfect bun, two soft curls falling gracefully on either side of her face. For once, she felt content with the reflection that gazed back at her, regal, composed, and untouchably beautiful.
Maera entered just then, hands clasped neatly, her ever-present scarf tied in its usual perfect knot. "You look as beautiful as ever, Your Highness," she said warmly.
Elara smiled faintly, turning her head slightly to admire the gown's glimmer. "Thank you, Maera. At least someone here knows how to appreciate beauty, unlike certain people I could mention," she said, her tone sharp at the end.
Maera blinked, feigning innocence. "Is something wrong, Your Highness?"
"Not at all," Elara replied quickly, smoothing her gown. "I was merely thinking about how dreadfully dull today will be. Perhaps we should go somewhere within the palace, it's been ages since I've had any real fun."
Maera's expression tightened. "We can't go outside the palace walls, not now. Not after His Majesty assigned you a new knight."
"I'm aware," Elara said dryly. "I said inside the palace, Maera. Must you always assume the worst?"
"Oh! My apologies, Your Highness," Maera said, flustered. "Where do you wish to go?"
Elara's lips curved in mischief. "To the practice ballroom," she said, her eyes sparkling. "It's not the grand hall used for royal gatherings, just the one for small rehearsals and music sessions. I need a little distraction, and perhaps… to remind my dear father that I am not to be ignored."
The glint in her eyes made Maera suspicious. "And whom, exactly, do you intend to impress, Your Highness?" she asked cautiously.
Elara only smiled. "You'll see soon enough."
Maera sighed, opening the door for her. "Very well. After you, my lady."
Elara stepped out, her soft slippers whispering against the marble floor. As expected, the knight was standing right outside her door, tall, broad-shouldered, his armor gleaming faintly under the light. He bowed low. Elara rolled her eyes and brushed past him, Maera following closely.
"Is it all right for him to come along?" Maera whispered.
Elara smirked. "Even if I forbade it, he'd still follow. But let's test that theory."
Before Maera could respond, Elara turned abruptly. The knight froze, lowering his head as she approached, each step measured, confident.
"Ser Knight," she said, her tone cool and commanding. "This is the royal palace, not a battlefield. I won't be doing anything scandalous out in the open. You may cease shadowing me like a ghost."
She pivoted and walked away without waiting for a response. Of course, he followed, silent, steady as her own shadow. Maera gave her a knowing look.
"See?" Elara murmured. "Utterly hopeless."
They walked through the sunlit corridor, lined with polished statues and velvet drapes. The palace staff paused to bow as she passed, their gazes lingering longer than usual, not on her, but on the knight. Elara's jaw tightened as she noticed the way the maids giggled softly and blushed when he walked by.
"Fools," she muttered under her breath. "Drooling over a man who barely speaks."
At last, they reached the practice ballroom, a spacious chamber with crystal chandeliers, velvet curtains, and a grand piano gleaming in one corner. Elara entered gracefully. "Ser Knight," she said without looking back, "please close the door."
"As you command, Your Highness," he said, his deep voice resonating like thunder in a distant storm.
Maera arched an eyebrow. "Shouldn't you at least ask his name before giving orders?"
Elara ignored her, running her hand across the piano's smooth surface. "Maera, play something soft… something romantic."
Maera blinked. "Romantic, at this hour? Your Highness-"
"Please," Elara interrupted, her tone light but firm. "Humor me."
With a small sigh, Maera obeyed, her fingers brushing over the piano keys. A slow, melancholic tune filled the air, delicate and haunting.
Elara turned to the knight. "Tell me, Ser Knight," she said, her tone deceptively gentle, "what is your name?"
He looked up for the first time, his silver-gray eyes steady. "Kael Draven, Your Highness."
"Kael…" she repeated softly, tasting the sound of it. "A fine name. Though I must say, it deserves a better owner."
For the first time, a faint smirk curved his lips. "As you wish, Your Highness."
Elara's pulse skipped. Something about that subtle defiance unsettled her, and intrigued her. She stepped closer, tilting her head. "Tell me, Ser Kael, do you know how to dance the Moonlit Waltz? Or do knights spend all their lives swinging swords?"
"I know the steps," he said simply.
"Good," she said, her smile widening. "Then dance with me."
He straightened. "Forgive me, Your Highness, but that would be improper. You are the kingdom's future queen. To dance with a knight-"
"Would be disrespectful?" she interrupted sharply. "And yet, if I were to trip and fall alone, it would be neglectful of you to let me, wouldn't it? You're here to protect me, Ser Kael. Protect me… from falling."
Her tone was teasing, but her eyes held a challenge. Maera watched silently, a mix of amusement and worry in her gaze.
Kael hesitated, then bowed his head slightly. "As you command, Your Highness."
Elara smiled triumphantly. "That's better. Maera, play something suitable."
The melody shifted, slow, graceful, and heavy with unspoken emotion. Kael extended his hand, and Elara placed hers upon it. His palm was warm, rough from years of battle. He led her to the center of the room where the golden light from the windows fell upon them like a blessing, or a curse.
They began to move. His steps were sure, his touch steady as he guided her through the rhythm. Her body responded instinctively, the hem of her gown swirling around them like a whisper of blue silk. When he turned her, her hair loosened slightly, and one curl brushed her cheek. Their eyes met, and for a moment, the world fell silent.
Her breath caught. His gaze was unreadable, dark and steady, yet there was something in it, something that burned quietly, dangerously.
Outside the tall glass windows, she could see servants pausing to watch, whispering among themselves. Perfect. Let them see. Let the entire court wonder what the princess was doing with a knight.
"Tell me, Ser Kael," she said softly, her voice barely above the music, "do you still find me… unattractive?" Her voice carried both challenge and curiosity, a test of pride more than feeling.
For a moment, his eyes held hers, silver and flame meeting in a silence that seemed to stretch beyond time. Then, Kael's lips curved slightly.
"You are… radiant, Princess," he said, his tone even. "But as I said before, beauty does not sway me."
The words struck deeper than she'd expected. Elara blinked, quickly forcing a smile to mask the flicker of embarrassment that dared rise within her.
"Well," she said, pulling her hand free as the music faded, "perhaps one day, even stone learns to feel."
She turned sharply, her gown sweeping the floor as she walked away toward the door. Maera rose quickly to follow, casting Kael a wary glance.
Kael stood still in the center of the room, watching her leave. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes lingered, just a second too long.