In the secluded embrace of a lush garden, where the gentle rustle of leaves whispered secrets to the wind, a young girl sat by a tranquil pond. Her gaze was fixed upon the still water, a mirror to her contemplative spirit.
The world around her faded into a quiet backdrop as if nature itself paused to respect her silent musings.
Suddenly, the air carried a voice, soft yet clear, breaking the spell of solitude.
"Eleanora, come forth," it beckoned a call that seemed to stir the very leaves on the trees.
Her face, like a canvas of joy, brightened instantly upon hearing the voice. With the eagerness of a thousand springs, she dashed towards the voice, leaping into the arms of the man who bore it. Clad in white, his long hair framed golden eyes and a youthful visage. "Father! You've got no idea about how much I missed you" she asked, pouting "Why didn't you come to see me for a whole week?"
The man, his smile a tender caress, lifted her with ease, her hands clasping around him like ivy. "I'm sorry, My child. But, I was busy with work. Look here, I've finally found a guard for you. According to your demand, he's about your age and also pretty strong. He can be your playmate as well as a guard" the man said.
The girl's eyes drifted toward the boy whom her father mentioned. She was mesmerized by his captivating look, clear jade-like eyes, snow-like skin, and long silver hair tied in a pony with a few little strands falling out.
"Finnian" the man called out to the boy, listening to him, the boy knelt and swore an oath.
"I, Finnian Clarx, swear over the founding dragon and founding god to protect, and remain faithful to my master, Eleanora Arcane, no matter what, till my last breath"
Eleanora, descending from her father's embrace, bestowed upon Finnian the sword her father had given her, sealing her vow to be a just and steadfast master to her knight.
"I, Eleanora Arcane, swear over to the founding dragon and founding god to remain a reliable master to my knight, Finnian Clarx. from start to end no matter what"
A hush fell upon the garden as the man's aura enveloped them, sealing their oaths with a sacred finality. "The Oath is complete, and to break it is to court death itself."
Thus, the day drew to a close, leaving a promise etched in the annals of time.
10 years later
"Master, wake up" Finnian's voice gently nudged Eleanora from her slumber. "This day marks your ascension as the crown princess"
Eleanora roused from slumber, retorted with feigned annoyance, "Finnian, must you always greet the day with such maddening precision?"
"Because, my lady, It is the creed of knighthood to embrace punctuality as a virtue," he replied, steadfast.
"And what of a lady's privacy?" she teased, her annoyance softened by the familiarity of their routine.
"My deepest apologies, but I am merely the hand of the king's command, and I have ventured here with vision veiled," Finnian responded, his duty as unshakable as the mountains.
"Yet, her patience waned like the waning moon. "Enough with the formalities, Finnian!" she exclaimed, "Speak to me not as a knight to his master, but as a friend to a friend."
"Fine," he said smirking, and then spoke, "Just hurry and wake up, I'm getting annoyed by the blindfold on my eyes."
Her outcry was sharp, a blend of mock anger and underlying affection. "You!" But her frustration was fleeting, melting into a sigh of surrender. Then, as if a spark had ignited within her, a sly smile danced across her face.
She reached for him, her fingers brushing against his. "Can you please unbutton my nightgown? My hands are having difficulty reaching them."
Finnian's gloved hands moved to comply, deftly unbuttoning the delicate fabric. But as he worked, his fingers encountered a sensation that sent a jolt of surprise through himâa softness, like bare skin against his touch.
His face flushed, and he realized with a mix of embarrassment and desire that Eleanora had not worn anything under her nightgown. His duty-bound mind struggled to maintain composure.
"Why did you stop?" she teased, her eyes dancing. "I order you to unbutton them."
"Fine," he managed, his voice strained. He continued unbuttoning, each touch igniting a fire within him. Finally, as the last button yielded, he bowed. "I'll get going as I have completed my task."
And with that, he fled the room, leaving Eleanora laughing in his wake.
"That's why you shouldn't have messed with me,"