Prologue.

"Search for the Princess!"

I giggled, stuffing the vanilla shortcake in my mouth with no grace. I was sure they wouldn't find me, but I had limited time, until he would come to me.

Mmh, the cake was good, it was a shame the people in the ballroom weren't.

I stood up from the small and soft linen sofa, approaching the window to spy the back courtyard. Noble people having tea, others enjoying the different sweets, everyone refined to an extreme: fluffy, luxurious and enormous dresses and suits. We surely didn't look at expenses this time. I sighed, reacting to my reflection on the tall mirror near the dark cherry wardrobe.

The all puff and frills red and white ballgown fitted me so perfect I could barely breathe. The corset tightened my waist like I didn't have any ribs, but it enhanced my decent bust, at least I looked more adult now.

In reality, I didn't want to go meet all those strangers.

I fixed my hair, the short flame red curls having its own way in the intricate coiffure the hairstylist spent one hour on. Most of the hair was gathered to the back in a complicated net of loose braids, some strands left down framing my small round face. My eyes were vibrant, the make-up giving more life to them. Deep blue pupils were staring at my image as to convince myself I was finally at age. I wasn't ready to get responsibilities and become an adult. I liked my childish life, spoiled and cuddled by the maids and the King, ready to forgive all my flaws.

"Princess!" Fun was over.

I turned to the door now wide open, a mass of black wavy hair approaching me, light bright blue eyes softened at my sight. He could never be angry at me. I smiled at him, all ready and fit in his dark blue armour, the gold crest on his chest. What a sight.

"Oh, found me." I chuckled as we both knew I was here, but he was too busy to come and get me earlier and would never tell someone where I was.

"Princess… the King, everyone is waiting for you. You shouldn't be… in my room, at all times today." He closed the door behind him, not letting anyone see where I was. Sneaking in was the easy part.

"But they're all boring and my feet hurt from the shoes." I pouted, knowing I couldn't escape today's event, at any cost.

"You still haven't gone down once to greet the King or the guests. It's your birthday, Princess." I held up my gown walking towards him, blushing at his last words. I flattened the blue ribbon around his neck, not usually there when working on daily basis.

"You look splendid today as well, my shiny knight." I faked to ignore the soft blush on his cheeks that made my heart skip a beat. He gently took my hands off his neck, his leather gloves rubbing my palms. I looked at his face, an innocent smile on my lips as he put his serious mask on. Time's over.

"I should be the one saying that, Princess Namiya. You look so bright today, everyone will be amazed, at a loss of words." My smile grew as he rubbed my hands in his, careful not to hurt me with the fingers' armour.

"Happy Birthday, my Princess. I wish I had a gift worth of your radiance." He left my hands hanging in front of me, and I was the one at loss. He didn't have to do anything for me. What he did every day, to keep me safe and sound was more that I could have ever asked. Not that my life has been risky, not at all. But apparently someone else didn't think the same.

"Don't say stuff like that or I'll cry." I whimpered, sensing my heart beating fast as his deep eyes stared at me from head to feet.

"Now move and go down. I'm not supposed to talk to you this way, but apparently you like to force me." He giggled, trying to be actually angry about it. No worries, my dear knight, it won't be the last time.

"You're no fun." I puffed my cheek at the smile spreading on his face, his soft features melting in front of me. Just let me hold him and never go out of this room.

"Namiya." He held up his arm towards me. "It's your glorious time, go and show them who our Princess is." He did it, that killer smile that would put all the girls in the palace on their knees. His eyes squinted in a tender look, as he was watching his own daughter on a special day. Well, somehow it really was, but let's say little sister.

I laced my arm under his, sighing and giving up. It was time.

My eighteenth royal birthday.