The Knight And His Princess

CHAPTER 10

Arthur’s POV

“Look, Princess. A butterfly,” I said softly, stepping toward her, careful not to disturb the fragile creature resting on my hand.

She tried to run toward me, eager as always, but I motioned her to slow down. When I reached her, I gently lifted my hand to her eye level. Her wide, innocent brown eyes lit up, her entire face blooming with joy.

God, that smile...

I swear, I’ve never seen anything more beautiful in my life.

This little girl—my Princess—will be the end of me. I’d go to any lengths, cross any boundaries, destroy anything in my path just to see her smile like that.

I promise, Princess... I’ll do whatever it takes to keep that smile on your face. Always.

---

My eyes fluttered open as the sound of my alarm drilled into my ears.

A dream. A beautiful one.

I lay sprawled across my king-sized bed, staring at the ceiling, my thoughts drifting to everything that happened yesterday.

God, I must’ve done something really good in my past life to finally find her again.

My Princess.

It’s only been a few hours since I last saw her, and yet... I already miss her like hell.

I sighed, remembering the breakfast meeting scheduled with my father this morning. Reluctantly, I stretched out, grabbed my phone from the nightstand, and checked for updates from my team.

Nothing.

Strange. I’d specifically asked them to monitor her and her family. To make sure they lacked nothing. That’s the least I could do for her... after all these years.

Putting the phone aside, I finally pulled myself out of bed and headed into the bathroom. After finishing my morning routine and a long, cold shower, I stepped out, a towel loosely wrapped around my waist.

I changed into fresh sweats in my walk-in closet and headed to the gym. Working on my eight-pack routine had become more than discipline—it was an addiction. A constant. Something to control when everything else felt out of reach.

Once done, I took another long, refreshing shower. By the time I walked into the main hall in my black Armani three-piece suit, Luna, our long-serving maid, was already there.

She stood up the moment she saw me.

Petite, nearing her sixties. Not much of a talker—but her food was divine.

“Luna, I’ll be having breakfast with my father today, so don’t prepare anything for me,” I said calmly. “But I need you to prepare a full, healthy meal for someone close to me. She’s in the hospital. Mark will pick it up.”

And with that, I walked out without waiting for a reply.

I didn’t have time for explanations.

Inside the SUV, I instructed Roy to drive to my father’s estate. As we pulled out, I took my phone and texted Mark:

> “Look after everything Princess might need today. No compromises.”

She’s my Princess. And I’ll treat her like one.

---

We reached my father’s place within twenty minutes. As I stepped into the garden, I found him seated by the fountain, a newspaper in hand. The outdoor setup looked serene—white wooden table and chairs placed on the lush green grass. Aesthetically peaceful.

But he wasn’t reading. He looked... lost.

I walked up and stood next to him. Still no reaction.

After a minute, I finally spoke.

“Good morning, Dad,” I greeted.

He jolted in surprise.

“Jesus, Arthur! One day, you’ll give your father a heart attack,” came Mom’s voice from behind. She appeared and sat beside me, placing a warm kiss on my cheek. I smiled slightly and greeted her.

“Good morning, Arthur. I didn’t see you,” Dad said, folding the newspaper.

“I could tell,” I replied, eyeing him. “Is something bothering you?”

He sighed and handed me a cup of black coffee—my daily staple.

“Well, you see, Arth—”

“Oh, son! I’m so happy you’re finally getting married!” Mom blurted out.

I choked on my coffee.

Excuse me, what?!

“Yeah... that’s what I was going to tell you,” Dad said with a defeated shake of his head.

I coughed violently, stars dancing in my vision as I reached for the water. Mom handed it over quickly, and I downed it in seconds.

“I’m sorry, what?” I asked, making sure I hadn’t misheard.

“Arthur, you’re doing well—with life, with the companies—so your mother and I thought this would be the perfect time for you to settle down,” Dad said carefully.

Marriage? Seriously?

“With whom, Dad?” I asked, brows furrowed.

“Hannah,” he said.

I blinked.

Hannah?

I scoffed. “She’s a friend. How could you even think of that?”

“What’s wrong with her?” Mom jumped in. “She’s from a good family, she’s kind, beautiful, and she loves you. She’s perfect—”

“She’s a friend,” I cut her off sharply.

Their attempts to script my life never ended.

“Arthur,” Dad said, “you’ve known each other for years. You two would be happy together. I know you love her.”

“I do. Like a sister,” I replied coldly. “She means a lot to me—but I am not marrying her.”

“She’s Mary’s daughter, Arthur,” Mom added. “I’ve already told her. She’s thrilled—”

“Thrilled?” I scoffed. “The same woman who shipped her kid off to boarding school after the divorce and barely remembers her now? Sure, she must be thrilled.”

“Arthur! She’s my friend,” Mom snapped.

And I couldn’t care less.

Dad stepped in again. “Just think about it. She’s smart. Strong. She’d be a good partner.”

“She’s like a sister to me. This discussion is over.”

I stood up. But just as I turned to leave, Mom grabbed my hand.

“Then tell us—do you have someone else in mind?”

I met her eyes and said flatly, “Then you don’t know your son at all.”

I pulled my hand free, gave Dad one last look, and walked away.

I had no intention of letting anyone dictate who I spend my life with.

Not anymore.

---

Later that evening…

“And what about the Japan party? Any updates?” I asked while flipping through the reports Dazy, Mark’s secretary, had brought in. Since Mark was with Princess, Dazy was temporarily assigned to assist me.

“They’re requesting an urgent meeting. They’re very eager to work with us,” she said.

I smirked.

Of course, they are. Working with the Delacruz Group is a matter of pride.

“Alright, you can leave. Send Dino in,” I said, dismissing her.

As the door closed behind her, my thoughts returned to Princess.

If it weren’t for that disaster of a breakfast, I could’ve seen her today.

The day had been filled with meetings, and now it was dark outside. I was exhausted—but still working. Because going home early? It only meant confronting the silence of an empty penthouse.

No one waiting for me.

Lonely? Maybe. But I’m used to that.

Knock! Knock!

“Come in.”

Dino stepped in, tall and intimidating as always.

“Sir,” he said, nodding.

“Give me the updates.”

He stood straight. “This morning, as per your instruction, the nurse played the song in her cabin. Later, the doctor recommended a sponge bath, but Ms. Garcia requested a real one. The doctor approved a lavender bubble bath, which Mark arranged.”

He paused.

I arched a brow.

“And?” I asked coldly.

“She… enjoyed it,” he muttered.

I narrowed my eyes. “How do you know?”

“T-The nurse said so,” he stammered.

I stared a moment longer, then let it go with a nod.

He exhaled and continued. “She had the breakfast you sent. Most of her day was spent talking with her parents or reading. She was discharged at 3 PM. We dropped them home in the car you assigned.”

“And the security?”

“Our men are stationed nearby—24/7 surveillance. Discreet.”

I nodded.

“Good. You may leave.”

Dino bowed and left the room.

I leaned back, crossed my fingers, and swiveled my chair toward the window.

Princess... I will protect you from now on. And this time,

I won’t break my promise.