Princess Aveline's POV
The throne room smelled like old stone and incense thick with the scent of control. I stood beside my father's chair, half-listening as ministers droned on about treaties and noble alliances. My mind, however, was elsewhere.
On the man behind me.
Damon Vale. My new personal guard.
He didn't speak unless he had to. He didn't flinch, didn't blink, didn't breathe too loudly. He stood like a statue silent, sharp, and far too close. I'd only known him for three months, yet his presence felt heavier than anyone else in the room.
"Princess Aveline," my father's voice snapped me back. "What say you?"
I blinked. A dozen eyes turned toward me. I didn't know the question, but I smiled politely. "Whatever you think best, Father. I trust your wisdom."
He nodded, satisfied. I had learned that trick long ago.
The meeting ended soon after, and I slipped out before anyone could corner me. My heels clicked against the marble floors as I headed toward the garden, the only place I could breathe.
Of course, Damon followed.
"You don't have to trail me everywhere," I said over my shoulder.
"It's my duty," he replied, his voice low and deep.
"You could at least pretend to enjoy it."
He didn't answer.
I turned. "Do you ever smile, Sir Damon?"
His gray eyes met mine, unreadable. "Only when no one is looking."
Was that a joke? I couldn't tell. But I laughed anyway.
We stepped into the gardens. Flowers curled over stone arches, and vines climbed the walls like they were reaching for escape. I sat on the edge of a fountain, dipping my fingers into the cool water.
Damon stood a few feet away, his back to me. Watching. Always watching.
"Do you miss it?" I asked.
He didn't turn. "Miss what?"
"Freedom. You must've had some before… all this."
A pause. Then "Freedom is a luxury I was never offered."
I looked down. His words hit something in me. Something raw. I didn't know his past, only that he'd been reassigned from the border garrisons after an incident no one would explain. That, and he was loyal,terrifyingly so.
"I envy you," I whispered.
He turned then, surprised. "You envy me?"
"I'm a princess," I said. "I can't go past the outer gates without permission. I can't eat what I like without someone writing it down. I can't even choose the man I marry."
"You have everything."
"Except choice."
He looked at me really looked at me and for a brief moment, I saw something shift in his expression. Pity? Understanding?
Dangerous.
He stepped back into guard stance. "We should return. The Queen will be looking for you."
Of course she would. To remind me again that Prince Leor is arriving in two weeks. The one I'm to marry for trade and peace.
"I'll marry him," I said suddenly. "And still be lonely."
He didn't respond.
"Do you think he'll protect me the way you do?" I asked, softer now. "That he'll care if I cry at night?"
"Princess…" he said quietly, almost a warning.
"I'm sorry," I said, standing. "Forget I said anything."
The walk back was silent.
Later that night, I found myself at the library alone. I needed books like I needed air. They were the only place I could feel without being watched.
Until I saw him again.
Damon, standing at the far wall, scanning titles.
"You read?" I asked.
He turned. "When I have time."
"You have time now."
"I'm off-duty in an hour."
I moved closer, curious. "What do you read?"
"History. Strategy. War records."
"Nothing softer?"
His lip twitched a fraction of a smile. "Soft things are dangerous."
I tilted my head. "And yet… you're here. Speaking to me."
He looked at me then, for longer than he should have. Then he reached for a book A Kingdom Without a Crown and handed it to me.
"Try this one," he said.
"You've read it?"
"Twice."
I held the book close. "Thank you, Damon."
He bowed. "Goodnight, Princess."
"Call me Aveline," I said, without thinking.
He paused at the doorway. "That would be crossing a line."
And then he was gone.
That night, I didn't sleep.
Not because of the marriage. Or the crown. Or the endless rules.
But because of a man who refused to call me by my name and somehow made me wish he would.