I am Glenn Mullin, and it's hard to believe that a year has passed since I first met Nerina. In the beginning, I was understandably wary of her—a stranger who suddenly appeared on the doorstep of His Highness, Lysander. The thought crossed my mind that perhaps she was an assassin sent by an enemy to execute the prince. It was not an unfounded fear; the political landscape is fraught with danger, and appearances can be deceiving.
As a member of the Duke's House, I often felt the weight of expectations on my shoulders. I was all too aware that my status may have played a significant role in my acceptance into the Royal Knights, more so than my abilities. But with Nerina, I felt none of that pressure. She treated me like a regular person, which was both refreshing and incredibly comforting.
Over time, my initial suspicions faded like fog under the morning sun, replaced by a growing anticipation for the moments we spent together. Nerina was different from anyone I had ever known—kind, unpretentious, and surprisingly naive about certain things, which only made her more endearing. I found myself carving out time in my schedule just to see her, whether during my patrols or on my days off. She became a breath of fresh air in what often felt like a suffocating life as a Royal Knight and the firstborn of the Duke.
Living with His Highness Lysander could have been intimidating for anyone else, but Nerina seemed completely at ease in his presence. Perhaps it was because she didn't yet fully understand just who Lysander was. The second child of the Royal Family, Lysander was one of the most outstanding mages in our land, yet his true passions lay in gardening and farming rather than in the wielding of his formidable magical powers. It was a bit odd, yet that was precisely what made him unique.
The so-called "middle child syndrome" might explain some of his eccentricities. Still, despite his quirks, it was evident to me that he genuinely cares for Nerina. The fact that he concocted a potion exclusively for her demonstrated just how much he values her—a remarkable gesture, especially considering how rare and precious mages are in this land.
Being around Nerina and witnessing the way she interacts with Lysander has made me realize just how attached I've grown to her. She's become someone I truly cherish.
However, after the festival, whispers began circulating about me having a lover. It didn't take long for those rumors to reach my ears, and I had a strong suspicion regarding their origin—His Highness Lysander. Knowing his playful nature, it was no surprise that he would find amusement in stirring the pot a little.
Instead of outright denying the rumors, I decided to let them be. After all, they weren't entirely unfounded. Nerina and I had indeed grown closer, and the festival had provided us with cherished memories that I wanted to hold onto. So, I made it a point to wear the necklace she had given me every day since the festival.
The delicate necklace, imbued with protection magic, rested comfortably against my collarbone, serving as a constant reminder of the bond we were forging. Each time I caught a glimpse of it in the mirror, I felt a warm glow in my chest—a feeling I hadn't experienced in a long time. It was not just an ornament; it symbolized something deeper, something that I was beginning to realize I had been longing for.
As I moved through my days, whether on patrol or amidst the banter of the knights, my thoughts often drifted to Nerina. I would ponder her laughter, the way her eyes sparkled with mischief, and how effortlessly she brought joy to those around her. Each interaction made me more convinced that she was not just a fleeting presence in my life; she was becoming integral to it.
I knew then that I had to navigate the path ahead carefully. With the rumors swirling and my feelings for Nerina deepening, the stakes were higher than I had anticipated. Still, whatever challenges awaited us, I felt a sense of determination that I had not known before. With Nerina by my side, I was ready to face whatever came our way, and I knew that together, we could forge our own story amidst the expectations and realities that surrounded us.