Elara's silken gown rustled against the cold stone of the palace corridors, though she hardly felt the chill. Her mind raced with thoughts she could not share. Tonight, she would sneak away from the royal ball. Tonight, she would see the world beyond the palace gates—not as a princess, but as herself.
"Princess Elara," a firm voice called behind her.
She froze. Turning, she met the eyes of Commander Kaelin. Her dark armor gleamed beneath the torchlight, and the sharpness of her gaze made Elara's heart skip. "Commander," Elara said, trying to sound composed.
"You shouldn't be wandering these halls alone," Kaelin said, stepping closer. Every movement exuded authority and grace. "There are shadows tonight…dangerous ones."
Elara felt a thrill. "Perhaps I like danger," she whispered, and Kaelin's lips twitched in what could have been the shadow of a smile.
"You are a princess," Kaelin said softly, but her tone carried no reproach—only concern. "You do not belong in the shadows."
"I belong wherever I choose," Elara replied, her eyes meeting Kaelin's with a daring spark.
Kaelin's chest tightened. She had served the royal family for years, but she had never felt the pull she felt toward this defiant princess. "Then I suppose…you need a guide," she said.
Elara tilted her head, curiosity dancing in her eyes. "A guide?"
"Yes," Kaelin said, taking her arm. "To keep you from harm. And…perhaps from yourself."
The palace gates opened to reveal the moonlit courtyard. Beyond the walls, the kingdom stretched into forests and valleys that promised adventure. For a fleeting moment, neither rank nor duty existed. There was only them—the princess and the commander—walking side by side under the twin moons.
But peace never lasted in Elaria.
A distant horn sounded, sharp and urgent. Kaelin's hand went instinctively to her sword. Elara's heartbeat raced as she followed her guide back toward the palace, where danger awaited—and with it, the choice that would bind their fates together forever.