Just short of a year ago, Sir Aiden saw more than just the cold exterior Princess Lilith had always portrayed. She was elegant, dress exuberantly in golden royal garments. Her long silky hair was fashioned into a beautiful bun, few hairs straying near her forehead.

'Aiden. Did you find out what I've asked of you?'

'Yes, my princess.' Sir Aiden humbly answered as he passed a simple, folded paper.

Princess Lilith carefully read through it's contents. Her deep hazelnut eyes gaze followed with a slight frown. 

'It's just as I thought. He is nothing short of a bastard. Just like good old daddy.'

Sir Aiden winced, not sure whether to agree, for it would be treason to call the Royal Highness King Vismeth a bastard. His eyes lingered on Princess Lilith, finally settling on her long delicate fingers. They were holding on to a wine glass.

She's been drinking heavily. Two empty bottles of plum wine were settled on the table.

It must have not been easy to confirm the suspicion that her fiancée is a womanizer. One that not only frequents less than credible brothels, but has also quite a colorful history with impregnating mistresses. 

Sir Aiden's heart was heavy with pity. He had watched the princess grew up, secured in the confinements of being a royalty. She was promised a kingdom to rule, a king to bed and a majestic life to live. 

The Kingdom was not without it's problems, King Vismeth was a successful conqueror, but not a wise ruler. While the rich live on the bounty of the war that unified the Kingdoms, the rest of the land is plagued with poverty.

Lord Samuel wasn't what the Princess had clearly dreamed for a husband and a life as a scorned lover isn't what the Princess deserved.

'I am truly sorry, my Princess. I wish I could've proven your suspicions wrong.' Sir Aiden sighed, expecting Princess Lilith's temper to take a hold of her. Sir Aiden thought that as usual, the knight would've been an easy target for relieving her stress.

Nothing happened. Sir Aiden lifted his gaze, intently focusing on Princess Lilith's facial expression. His heart fluttered. Princess Lilith's eyes were watery, her demeanor was that of a truly defeated person. She quickly rose from her seat, her steps paced towards the knight.

Just like that, her arms were over the knight's shoulder. As the knight panicked at the sight of the crying princess, he couldn't help but to embrace her back.

'My princess. It's alright. Everything will be alright. You are strong, you've never waivered. You'll find a way to resolve this. You always do.'

'I- I feel so foolish Aiden. This is nothing like I ever imagined. Just like a bird in a cage. Trapped- trapped and-'

To Princess Lilith, that moment was pure candid. She had never intended to seek a shoulder to cry on, let alone depend on a mere Knight. But something felt inviting, it felt warm. The Knight had always been there for her, never judging and always obedient.

She hesitantly lifted her head, now directly facing the Knight's face. Princess Lilith noticed his facial features. Somehow his raven-black hair made his concerned gaze towards her even more heart tugging. His eyebrows are too perfect for a Knight serving in the military, although the slight scarring near his left cheek reminded her that Sir Aiden had definitely been in combat.

'Shall I get some cloth to wipe the tears, Princess?' Sir Aiden asked, breaking the daze that Princess Lilith was in.

'It's okay. I am fine. You can leave.' Princess Lilith slightly moved away from his embrace, fully aware of just how intimate they were. Sir Aiden loosened his arms around her, bowed and made his way out of the room.

Princess Lilith's hands cupped her cheeks. It was flushing, as she realized that for the first time she noticed Sir Aiden. Not as a Knight, but as a genuine man she was attracted to. 

It wasn't only her perception that changed on the fated evening. For Sir Aiden, he had seen the Princess in a different light; humane and vulnerable. He didn't know exactly how to resolve her problems but he was very certain that he'll never abandon her. More so now that his heart had definitely seen Princess Lilith as a woman, no longer the pretentious child he had gradually disliked.