Chapter 3 - The Knight's Hidden Truth

The celebration inside the castle continued long into the night, filled with music, dancing, and endless laughter from nobles dressed in jewels and silk.

But Rowan slipped away from the ballroom. The noise, the crowds, the suffocating elegance.

Outside, the cool night air wrapped around the castle gardens. Lanterns flickered softly along the stone paths while moonlight painted silver across the roses. Rowan stood quietly beneath a tree, gazing toward the stars.

"Oh?"

A familiar voice made her turn immediately.

"Your Highness." Rowan bowed respectfully.

Princess Zevana approached with graceful steps, her crimson gown flowing gently behind her. Without the overwhelming lights of the ballroom, she somehow looked softer beneath the moonlight.

"You must be Arthur," Zevana said with a faint smile.

"I remember you very well."

Rowan blinked in surprise.

"I'm honored that you remember me, Your Highness." She hesitated briefly before adding,

"And... happy birthday."

Zevana's smile widened slightly.

"Thank you."

As they walked through the garden, Zevana paused beside a bed of blooming flowers. She carefully picked a single white blossom, admiring it quietly.

"This flower is beautiful," she murmured.

For a moment, silence lingered between them. Then Zevana spoke again, though her voice sounded distant this time.

"Tell me, Arthur... is living as a normal person peaceful?"

Rowan looked at her, confused.

"I do not understand, Your Highness."

Zevana lowered her gaze toward the flower in her hands.

"Sometimes I wonder what life would be like if I weren't born a princess." A faint laugh escaped her lips, though sadness hid beneath it.

"Knowing that one day, I'll become queen... it feels heavy."

Rowan stared at her quietly.

To Rowan, royalty meant power, admiration, and respect, the very things she had spent her entire life being denied.

"Hm... we are different, Your Highness," Rowan admitted softly.

"I always wished I could become someone important. People would finally notice me."

Zevana looked up at her.

Then she laughed softly, not mockingly, but warmly.

"But I noticed you."

Rowan froze.

"You don't need the whole world to see you," Zevana continued gently.

"Just be yourself."

The words struck Rowan harder than any sword ever could. Heat rushed to her cheeks instantly.

"T-Thank you, Your Highness," she whispered, lowering her head to hide the blush spreading across her face.

For the first time in years, Rowan felt strangely nervous. And she did not understand why. After some time, Rowan excused herself from the gardens and headed toward the forest beyond the castle walls.

Hidden deep within the woods was a quiet river warmed by nearby hot springs.

The moon reflected beautifully against the flowing water as Rowan carefully set aside her sword. She sighed deeply.

"Why would a princess ask about living normally...?" she muttered to herself.

The gentle sound of water calmed her racing thoughts.

But suddenly

SPLASH

Rowan stiffened instantly.

Her eyes widened in panic.

Someone's here?!

Without hesitation, she ducked behind a large rock near the riverbank, heart pounding violently inside her chest.

OH NO! If someone sees me-

She clenched her fists anxiously.

I'll be exposed...

Carefully peeking over the rock, Rowan's breath caught.

Princess Zevana stood near the river's edge.

Her long red hair cascaded freely down her back, glowing beneath the moonlight like strands of fire. She had removed her royal shoes and dipped her feet into the water, seemingly unaware that anyone else was nearby.

Rowan blinked rapidly in disbelief.

The Princess?

What is she doing here? Shouldn't she still be at the castle?

Then...

A small stone shifted beneath Rowan's foot. Zevana immediately turned toward the sound.

"Huh?" She looked around cautiously before stepping closer.

"What was that noise?"

Rowan held her breath.

But it was too late.

Zevana rounded the rock-

-and gasped.

"A-Arthur?!"