“You can’t let go of the armor just for one night?” Lady Miriam asks Kristoff.

“I apologize, love but I am still on duty.” Kristoff holds her hand to show sincerity.

“You know, you’ve been more protective ever since King Chrome died.”

“I’d like to think of it as fatherly instincts.”

“Let’s hope that our future child will appreciate it.”

Kristoff smiles at their banter. It’s true that he has been working harder even though it’s just been days since the old king’s death. Chrome was older than Kristoff yet he chose him to be his right-hand man and he was forever grateful for that. He reminisces the time when he was still a new knight.

He was already serious about his job. He wanted to be captain of the guard. King Chrome was younger then. On his first day of being a full-pledge knight, King Chrome approached him.

“Sir Kristoff, may I have a word?”

“Of course, my king.”

“I heard from the captain that you have quite an interesting past. You’re a peasant but you felt a sense of duty to serve your kingdom. I’m impressed that you didn’t blame me for your circumstances.”

“It’s not your fault, my king, that I came from a poor family. But as you might have heard my parents have already passed. They wanted me to be a knight so I could bring us out of poverty but since they are no longer with me, I now only live to serve.”

Chrome gave him a worried look. “Loyalty is good, Kristoff but you must learn to enjoy the most out of life. With a handsome face like yours, no doubt you’ll get a wife in no time. Maybe start a family.”

“I’d rather focus on protecting your family, my king.”

“And no doubt you will. When you become captain, I would like you to train my son in the art of war and swordsmanship.”

“Of course. It will be an honor.”

“Thank you, Kristoff. Now, the yearly peace celebration will be held tonight. You will be on duty but if you ever catch the attention of a lady, I will let it slide.” Chrome winks. “Farewell, Sir Kristoff.”

Chrome walked away before Kristoff could utter anything else.

Kristoff was stationed at the balcony. It was quite bare so he was the only one there. He stood near the door facing the view. People came and went at the balcony and he made sure they were safe. Later into the night, the balcony was empty. He felt someone coming near. He faced the entrance to be greeted by a beautiful lady.

“Greetings, knight.”

Kristoff only nodded slightly in reply. She was not satisfied with that.

“No one else is here. I’ve had enough of pleasantries with royal folk. Can’t you say one word to me?”

“No.”

“Now, that’s confusing.”

The lady chuckled but Kristoff remained stoic. He was not going to entertain a lady even if his king allowed it. He had a job to do but the lady was persistent. He thought she might have nothing better to do.

“What’s a handsome man like you doing in a knight’s armor? You could pass as a royal if disguised appropriately.”

“Not to be rude but why’s a royalty like you wasting her time with a knight that’s not even from her territory.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t call this wasting time.” She smiled. “I already enjoy your company. Makes me feel safe.”

“It’s only natural to feel that way when you’re standing next to an armed knight.”

“But you want to be more than that, don’t you?”

Kristoff’s face gave it away that she was right. He was surprised that she was able to make such a wild guess.

“I like a man in a uniform.”

“There must be plenty back home.”

“Not one like you.” She smiled at him again. “I can’t quite pinpoint what but you piqued my interest. Can I have your name?”

“… Kristoff,” he reluctantly answers.

“Well, Sir Kristoff, you can call me Miriam.”

“Lady Miriam? Marquess of Lauton’s daughter?”

“Now, now. No need to be so formal.”

“Wouldn’t your father disapprove of your actions? Socializing with a lowly knight?”

“But you want to be captain, right?”

Kristoff returned silent again. He turned away from her and resumed his guarding stance.

“Come on now, no need to be rude,” Miriam chuckled.

He doesn’t understand how this woman could read him so easily. This time, he wasn’t going to indulge her. When she realized she wasn’t going to get another word from him tonight she stopped.

“I’ll actually be here for quite a while. I hope I’ll see you again, Sir Kristoff.”

She gave him a smile and walked back inside the ballroom where the party was now dying down. It wasn’t love at first sight, no. It took some time for him to be defenseless around her but he didn’t regret it. Neither did she.

Now, they’re attending a party together in the same room where they met. Well, technically they were outside the room but Kristoff thought of it poetic nonetheless.

“Kristoff, love, I must attend to my family for a bit. You will catch up, though, yes?”

“Of course, love.”

Miriam walks towards her parents and her brother who are in conversation. Kristoff watches her and is thinking about checking up on Cobalt. A servant approaches him, holding a tray of drinks. He realizes it’s Siobhan.

“Sir Kristoff, please don’t worry about King Cobalt. I always keep a distance from him to ensure his safety.” She whispers. “You have a pregnant wife and in-laws to worry about.”

“Very well,” he sighs. “I trust you. Now keep an eye on him.”

She nods her head then walks away. Kristoff drinks in one go, finishing the glass before joining his wife and his in-laws.