The Princess was overwhelmed and writing helped. She could escape to the world in her story, where things were easier. In her story, she wasn’t a princess, she was just a regular woman. She couldn’t quite bring herself to make her Knight anything other than a knight. In her mind he was one even before it was official. Things between them could progress more naturally, they could spend time together, go on dates, they didn’t have to hide to have deep conversations about their relationship. Sure, it couldn’t be a good story without some conflict, but at least in the safety of the story they didn't have to pretend they weren't in a relationship.

Reality was harsh. She tried to forget the tea party but she couldn’t. These women did not like her and she couldn’t understand why. They were simply discussing the upcoming ball when one of them brought up who they should bring.

“I know your Knight was a commoner, but he’s got a title now and he’s very handsome and charming, can you spare him?” one lady asked.

“He’s free to do as he pleases,” she said.

“Is he now? That’s not what people say…”

It took everything she had not to betray her shock and horror. She sipped her tea.

“What are people saying?” the Princess asked.

“Your Knight Is always with you, you are never seen in public without him. It appears as though you are keeping him all to yourself!”

“It really does look that way!” another lady chimed in. “So many other knights are so much more well connected. We never see him at any of our events!”

The Princess had never once denied her Knight any request for a leave. She knew he’d been to many parties and events, but she also knew he favored going to events held by commoners. If he went to events held by nobility it tended to be hunts, related to theater and music, and the occasional art showing. She knew he liked balls but he avoided them specifically because of the romantic slant. He attended a few held by couples he liked, but they were mostly older people. The chances of him going to any of their events willingly was very slim.

She was afraid to say all of this. It might sound like she was making an excuse for herself.

“He does seem to overwork himself,” was all she said.

“When has he ever requested a long leave of absence? He’s been your knight for years!”

He did leave for a week or two to see his family. He spent long weekends with them frequently. But many knights took months off at a time. She hated that she loved being with him all the time, especially since they admitted their love for each other a few months ago. Maybe she was stifling him. Maybe he was only in love with her because they were forced to be together all the time.

“He does deserve a break,” she said. He deserved the time away to maybe realize he didn’t love her at all. The mere thought almost made her cry.

“Well, I’m sure your Knight will have no trouble finding a partner for the ball. But who are you taking? Were you going to show up with the King again?”

“Probably,” she said.

“Don’t you think that makes you look a little sheltered and naive?”

“Perhaps it does,” she said. She liked going with her father. He was good company and it kept most men away. She already had a person she wanted to marry she didn’t want to waste her time leading others on. Maybe her Knight would move on and then what would she do? Who on earth could she bring to the ball without making a grand statement just by standing next to him?

When the party ended she felt utterly shattered. Her Knight’s presence and words brought her comfort as usual, but she wasn’t sure how long this would last. Should she enjoy his company when he could leave her so easily? What would become of them when their empathic channel was so wide and their mana resonated and intertwined so beautifully? Did any of these women even understand how difficult it was to wrest herself from him now? She’d have to undergo a year of training minimum just to block him from reading her.

All of that didn’t matter, she could escape into her story for now. She came to a clear stopping point and looked over at him. He deserved a break, to escape this hell she was stuck in. A good three months should do it. She knew making him leave would leave her anxious, she needed a distraction. She looked down at her writing. Maybe this escape could lead to another one…