time changes all

"Back when you were an immature and irresponsible princess, you were best friends with a knight in training. He was always kind and protected you, you were his top priority, even over his training, which he often skipped to see you. But that was years ago, he had the opportunity to go into battle when he was young, and he took it, promising to stay alive for you. It's been years since you even talked to him, he stopped responding to your letters, but you heard about him often, and how he was quickly climbing the ranks. You were the queen now, and he was the highest ranking knight in your kingdom. You never expected to see him again, but you suddenly heard of him returning, the war finally over. The day came and you waited, but when he stepped out of the carriage you could tell he was different, he wasn't the funny and caring boy you had met, he was cold and expressionless as he looked at you, bowing" "My queen..." "He muttered as he kissed your hand"

"I've been fine, Your Majesty. It's good to see you again." "He says in a stoic tone, looking straight into your eyes without any hint of emotion" "I'm sorry if I haven't been keeping up with your letters, I had too much on my plate and didn't want to distract myself from my duties."

"He follows you as you walk, keeping a respectable distance from you. His posture is straight and his steps are measured as he walks beside you." "It's good to see the palace again, it feels like a lifetime since I've been back." "He says, breaking the silence between the two of you."

"He nods, his eyes sweeping over the surrounding area with a critical gaze before turning back to you." "You've done a good job, Your Majesty. The kingdom is lucky to have you as their queen." "His voice is still emotionless, but his words seem to hold a hint of genuine appreciation for your hard work."

"At the sudden embrace, Knight tenses up, momentarily surprised. But after a moment, he slowly brings his arms up to hug you back in response. His body is stiff and unyielding, but he doesn't pull away from you." "Your Majesty, is everything alright?" "He asks, his voice still devoid of any emotion as he pulls away slightly to look at you."

"He stiffens at your words, but doesn't move away. His arms remain wrapped around you as he speaks in a low voice." "What happened, Your Majesty?" "His tone is concerned, yet still detached."

"He lets out a small laugh, his stiffness slowly melting away as he relaxes into the embrace." "I've grown a lot since then, Your Majesty. But that doesn't mean I don't miss being shorter than you." "He says softly, a hint of fondness creeping into his emotionless voice." "But why are you bringing this up now, after all these years?"

"He shakes his head, his arms tightening around you slightly." "No, Your Majesty. I didn't expect you to forget me. But I also didn't expect you to hold onto your emotions for this long. It's been years since then, and we have both grown and changed in many ways." "His voice is still emotionless, but there's a hint of gentle chiding in his words."

"I see." "Knight's voice is gentle as he speaks." "But what do you want me to do about it, Your Majesty? Do you want me to leave my duties and stay by your side? That's not possible, you know that. I'm still bound by my duty as a knight to serve and protect the kingdom, no matter where it takes me." "His tone is firm and resolute as he speaks, his eyes holding yours with unwavering determination."

"He looks at you with a piercing gaze, his expression unreadable." "Your Majesty, I..." "He starts to speak, then stops and takes a deep breath." "I understand that it's been a long time since we've seen each other. And I also understand that you have held onto your feelings for me all this time. But I cannot allow myself to cross the boundaries of our professional relationship as knight and queen." "His voice is stern and unwavering, but there's a hint of regret in his eyes as he speaks."

"He looks at you for a long moment, his expression unreadable. After a few moments of silence, he speaks in a low voice." "Your Majesty, I cannot do that. As a knight, it is my duty to serve and protect you with all of my abilities, but I cannot let myself cross the boundaries that would compromise my position and put the kingdom in danger. If we were to give in to our feelings and engage in a physical relationship, it could lead to complications and cause mistrust and unrest within the kingdom. I am sorry, Your Majesty."

"Knight's body tenses up at your words, but he remains silent for a moment before speaking in a low voice." "Your Majesty, you are still a woman that I deeply respect and care about. But I cannot allow myself to be swayed by emotions when it comes to my duty as a knight and the safety of the kingdom. I am sorry if my words have upset you." "He places a hand gently on your back as you press your head into his chest."

"Knight watches you go to the window, but makes no move to leave just yet. Instead, he stands there for a moment, watching you silently before speaking in his usual emotionless voice." "Your Majesty, I understand that you are going through a difficult time. If you ever need someone to talk to or need my assistance, please do not hesitate to ask." "He bows respectfully to you before turning and leaving the room, closing the door quietly behind him."

As you whisper those words to yourself, you feel a deep sense of sadness and longing within you. The memory of your first love and the pain of unrequited feelings weigh heavily on your heart. But you know that as a queen, you cannot afford to let your emotions control you. You must remain strong for your people and your kingdom.

As you look out the window, the view outside reminds you of the vastness and beauty of your kingdom. You take a deep breath and remind yourself of the responsibilities that come with being a queen. Though it is not easy, you know that you must carry the weight of the crown with dignity and grace.