That night brought great joy to the kingdom, for the queen of Vermorynth had given birth to a daughter.
The following year, on that very same day, a son was born into the house of the Throne Sentinels' captain. Upon his chest, a faint sigil in the shape of a sword appeared—an omen whispered of in hushed tones—though it faded soon after. The Sentinels, the king's highest order of knights, had gained an heir.
When the boy turned five, he was formally appointed as a page in training—a future knight to serve the princess. From then on, Altheron spent his mornings in drills and studies, but the rest of the day was often stolen away by the young princess. Their laughter echoed through the palace halls, a sound the maids and guards came to know well.
Eleven years passed.
The two children had grown inseparable within the palace walls, darting through marble corridors like shadows of light.
"Come faster, Althy!" the princess called, her silver voice ringing with joy.
"I'm coming, Lady Emi!" the boy panted, struggling to keep up.
She puffed her cheeks in mock annoyance, glancing back at him with wide eyes that only made her look cuter.
"How many times must I tell you? Just Emi!"
"All right… just Emi," he muttered, cheeks warming.
With a mischievous grin, she tugged him by the hand and led him into her chambers.
"Now close your eyes, Althy."
He obeyed. Soft fingers brushed against his neck; something cool rested against his skin.
"You can open them."
He blinked. A small pendant now hung around his neck, catching the light.
"Happy birthday, Althy," she said softly. "I saw how hard you train every day. You always try so hard to be strong… so I wanted you to have this. It will give you strength. And maybe… protect you, too."
Her words were innocent, but the way her fingers lingered spoke of something she herself did not yet understand.
His eyes widened. "But… it's your birthday too." He fumbled inside his pocket, pulling out a tiny bundle wrapped in cloth. His hands trembled as he offered it to her. "I-I thought… m-maybe you'd like this."
Unfolding the cloth, she found delicate butterfly-shaped hair clips. His words came out barely louder than a whisper.
Her eyes softened as she slipped them into her hair, twirling once to show him. "Thank you, Althy." Then her voice lowered, almost shy. "But… can you also make a promise with me?"
Altheron straightened, puffing his chest as he had seen the knights do. He placed a hand over his heart.
"By my name… Altheron von Kaelmourn… I swear it."
He stumbled over the long syllables, but his gaze was steady, as though he believed his words bound him in oath.
Emi giggled, stepping closer until her eyes sparkled right before his.
"Then promise me this… promise me you'll always be my gallant knight."
Before he could answer, a firm voice boomed from the courtyard below.
"Altheron!"
It was his father, Captain Kaelmourn, his tone sharp with command. Training awaited.
The boy hesitated, looking back at Emi, reluctant to leave. She only smiled, waving him off.
"Go. I'll be waiting… Sir Knight."
Clutching the pendant against his chest, Altheron ran toward the voice.