The Princess's Unwanted Guardian

The first time Princess Selene Valeris saw death coming for her, she was wearing a crown she hated. Gold pressed against her temples, diamonds glittered at her throat, and a hundred nobles watched her from beneath the crystal chandeliers of Eldoria's grand ballroom. She smiled because a princess was expected to smile. She danced because a princess was expected to dance. And she listened to Duke Rowan explain, for the third time that evening, why marrying him would be the greatest political decision of her life. "The northern borders would be considerably safer if our families were united,” Duke Rowan said, guiding Selene through another turn. “Perhaps,” Selene replied with a small smile. “Though I suspect the northern borders would be even safer if you spent less time discussing marriage and more time speaking to your generals.” Rowan blinked. She laughed softly. “I'm teasing you.” “Your Highness has a peculiar sense of humor.” “And you have a peculiar talent for turning a dance into a council meeting.” This time, he laughed. For a moment, Selene was glad. She didn't dislike Rowan. He was courteous enough, and beneath his ambition, she suspected there was a decent man. She simply wished everyone would stop discussing her future as though she weren't standing right there. Truly Across the ballroom, a young servant stumbled while carrying a tray of glasses. One shattered against the marble. Several nobles turned to stare. Before the poor girl could begin apologizing, Selene gently squeezed Rowan's hand and stepped away. “It's all right,” she told the servant, crouching to help gather the unbroken glasses. "No one was hurt." “Your Highness, I am so sorry—” Her voice already trembling. “Then we'll consider the matter settled.” Selene smiled. “But next time, let someone help you carry that many glasses.” When she returned to the dance floor, she felt lighter. For all its golden chandeliers and magnificent gowns, the palace could be a lonely place. ‎ Sometimes, the smallest act of kindness reminded her that there were still ordinary things worth caring about. The music softened as the final notes of the dance faded into the grand hall. Selene smiled as Rowan released her hand, offering a graceful bow. "Thank you for the dance, Your Highness." She curtsied playfully. "You make it sound as though you survived a battlefield." Rowan laughed. "Dancing with you can be rather dangerous, Princess." "Then perhaps you should reconsider accepting my invitations." "On the contrary. I might begin looking forward to them." Selene rolled her eyes, though a smile tugged at her lips. Before she could respond, the grand doors opened, drawing the attention of several guests. A man dressed entirely in black stepped into the ballroom. He was tall, broad shouldered, and carried himself with an unusual confidence. His tall frame was wrapped in a fitted dark attire and a sword hung at his side. Selene's gaze lingered on him for a moment. He didn't look like someone who belonged at a royal celebration. "Who is that?" she whispered. Rowan glanced towards the entrance. "I'm not sure. Perhaps one of the King's guests." The stranger didn't seem interested in the festivities. His eyes moved across the ballroom, taking in the gathering with a watchful expression. Then the King entered. Immediately, the nobles bowed their heads in respect. Everyone except the man in black. He remained standing, his expression unreadable. Selene noticed. Her brows drew together slightly. How peculiar. "Princess?" Rowan called, bringing her attention back to him. "Hmm?" "Are you listening?" "Of course." "Then what did I just say?" Selene smiled sheepishly. "Something very interesting, I'm sure." Rowan shook his head, laughing. "You're one intriguing woman, Your highness." "I should be right? Shouldn't I? It's the only way to survive this harsh unforgiving palace world." A servant approached with a silver tray bearing two glasses of wine. "Your Highness. My lord." Rowan accepted a glass, and Selene took the other but she barely touched it. Her gaze wandered across the ballroom, taking in the glittering chandeliers, the musicians, and the nobles who seemed more interested in whispering than celebrating. The ballroom glittered beneath the golden glow of hundreds of crystal chandeliers. Their light danced across the polished marble floors, reflecting the brilliant colours of the gowns and jewels worn by the guests. Tall golden pillars stood along the walls, decorated with delicate carvings of roses and royal crests. The air carried the sweet fragrance of roses and expensive perfumes, mingling with the faint scent of wine. At the far end of the ballroom, musicians played a graceful melody, their instruments filling the hall with enchanting music. Servants moved quietly between the guests, carrying trays of wine and delicate refreshments. Laughter and conversation blended with the music, creating an atmosphere of celebration. It was everything a royal birthday ball should be. Yet, for some reason, Selene couldn't shake the strange feeling that something was about to happen. Her attention had wandered back to the stranger. He was now standing near one of the marble pillars, partially concealed by the crowd. He wasn't dancing. He wasn't speaking. He was watching. And, for one brief moment, his eyes met hers. Selene held his gaze, uncertain why she suddenly felt the need to look away. "Do you know him?" she asked Rowan. "Who?" "The man in black." Rowan followed her gaze. "No. Should I?" "Perhaps not." She took a small sip of her wine, trying to dismiss the strange feeling. But when she looked towards the pillar again, the man was gone. A faint metallic sound cut through the music. Selene turned. Something was flying towards her. An arrow. An arrow? And it seemed to be coming in her direction too. Her breath caught. There was no time to scream. The ballroom erupted into chaos. ‎She felt a shadow move swiftly towards her. As if to shield her. ‎ ‎In one swift movement, the shadow lifted his shield, placing himself between the princess and the incoming arrows. ‎ ‎She stumbled backward. ‎