Through the folds of her carefully wrapped dress, a slender hand slipped out and found its way to me. Before I realized it, the princess, mirian, had nestled into my arms, clinging to me as though we were one.

Though she often sought comfort like this, today felt different. Her touch lingered more than usual, almost to the point where I considered addressing it. But before I could, she broke the silence.

“It’s always so warm here. Or maybe I should say... cozy.”

“If it’s too warm, should I lower the room’s temperature?”

“That’s not funny. But staying like this somehow makes me feel safe.”

“Princess...”

“But it’s uncomfortable standing like this. Can I lie down on your bed?”

She wasn’t really asking for permission—her steps were already leading her to the bed. The sheets, cool from the winter air, stretched over the mattress.

The princess winced slightly at the chill but soon smiled and leaned her back against me.

“It’s been so cold lately. Maybe I should tell the maids to pay more attention to the bedding.”

“It’s my fault. I left the window open, Princess.”

“Did you? And you’re dressed so lightly too. Why would you do that? You’ll catch a cold.”

“I suppose... being confined to the palace felt a bit stifling.”

“You sound just like the queen.”

I averted my gaze, unsure how to respond. The princess tapped my chin playfully with her head, as if to tease me.

“But honestly, I feel the same way. While being outside has its discomforts, staying cooped up in the palace is harder. Maybe I’m suited to a life of adventure after all.”

“Perhaps it’s because you’ve spent so much time outside, Princess.”

“Ever since I grew older, I’ve spent more time outside than in the palace. A year in the dragon’s labyrinth. Two years with you, Alpheus. Three years during my adolescence is no small stretch of time.”

“For the kingdom, it was a terrible calamity.”

“For me, it was a blessing. Father is so overprotective. I learned far more from you.”

For the first time, I found myself agreeing with her. The king, as I knew him, might have been a great warrior, but he lacked the qualities of a good father or mentor.

Still, it would have been harsh to say so directly, so I offered a more tempered response.

“Throughout history, it’s rare to find someone who traveled alongside a mischievous elf and a wise, witty sage. I learned much from them too, and I’m sure you gained a lot as well, Princess.”

“I did. For instance, elves are much noisier than I thought. And sages, with all their knowledge, can’t seem to keep a conversation short.”

“It’s hard to argue with that.”

“And if you find something you love, you should claim it with a seal. Wait, no... I think I learned that one from you.”

She added a playful wink to her last comment. At that moment, I decided to cautiously bring up the subject I’d been holding back since the procession earlier that day.

“Princess, about what happened during the march today...”

“Oh, that? Sorry about that. But you looked so adorable with that dumbfounded expression, I couldn’t help myself.”

“Still, it was a bit too rash.”

“I admit, it was a childish act. But the people seemed to love it.”

“Maybe they were just happy to see how well you’ve recovered, Princess.”

“Or maybe it shows how much they adore you.”

She pulled my arm over her like a blanket, smiling up at me with a childlike innocence.

“When we get married, so many people will bless our union, don’t you think?”

“...They probably will.”

“And if Father passes the throne to you, I’m sure you’ll make a great king. At the very least, better than Father.”

“That’s...”

“And I’ll be a better queen than the current one, I promise.”

Her whispered words carried an unshakable certainty. But the weight of them left both of us silent for a while.

It wasn’t an unpleasant silence. Yet, it didn’t last long, as there was still more the princess wished to say.

“Tonight makes me think of old times. We used to sleep like this a lot, didn’t we?”

“That’s because you often struggled to fall asleep alone, Princess.”

“I felt lonely in the labyrinth. Maybe I needed someone to rely on. Lately, I’ve been having trouble sleeping again.”

“Perhaps you’re still adjusting to life in the palace.”

“That might be true. But Alpheus, have you been having trouble sleeping too?”

I hesitated, unsure how to respond. Before I could, she continued.

“One of the maids mentioned it. She said the Hero often wanders at night, as if the bed doesn’t suit him. I didn’t pry—it just came up by chance.”

“I didn’t mean to worry so many people.”

“Then be more careful. You’re no longer an adventurer who can do as he pleases.”

“You’re right; I have no excuse.”

“But I understand. This is all still so unfamiliar to you. And soon, you’ll be apart from your companions. That must feel lonely too.”

“I...”

“So, Alpheus.”

The princess snuggled closer, her head resting firmly against my chest. Her voice grew softer, more mature.

“I’ll stay by your side. Just like we’ve always done.”

“Princess.”

“You might think this is just another one of my whims, but I mean it. If becoming a king—and being alone—scares you, I’ll be here with you.”

“...”

“If that feels like too much, then at least let me hold your hand.”

A delicate hand gently covered mine. After a moment’s hesitation, I clasped it, and her eyes slowly closed as a soft sigh escaped her lips.

Was she planning to sleep like this? Wanting her to rest comfortably, I adjusted her position. Naturally, I lay down beside her.

The princess, in a faint voice, marked the end of the day.

“Good night, Alpheus.”

“Yes. Sleep well, Princess.”

As we exchanged farewells, her fingers tightened around mine. Warm and secure, her grip felt less like a touch and more like a shackle meant solely for me.

By the time the faint moonlight was veiled behind dark clouds, the princess had fallen asleep. Occasionally, a soft snore escaped her lips, and she even mumbled in her sleep—a sign she had drifted into a deep slumber.

Despite her hand still clasping mine, I didn’t dare move, afraid to disturb her peaceful rest.

It had likely been a long time since she had slept this soundly. Knowing that, I couldn’t bring myself to let go. I started to think tonight’s planned rendezvous was something I would have to forgo.

But just then, the wound on my wrist began to throb again.

This time, it wasn’t just a dull ache—blood was beginning to seep out.

“Ugh...?”

Startled, I let go of the princess’s hand and let out a faint groan. Thankfully, she didn’t wake, but the blood continued to trickle down my wrist.

Not wanting to stain the sheets, I carefully slipped out of bed and tiptoed across the room, stepping outside.

As soon as I left the room, the bleeding seemed to subside slightly. Observing this, I couldn’t help but let out a quiet laugh.

“Heh... so this is her magic, huh?”

The mechanism was mysterious, but the message was clear: she was calling for me and wanted me there immediately.

If anything, she seemed slightly annoyed—perhaps a little like a trainer disciplining a pet.

Instead of heading straight to her room on the fifth floor, I paused in the middle of the corridor and leaned against the wall.

“...mirian.”

I called her name softly, deliberately stalling as I gazed at the scenery outside the window. It wasn’t as if the wound was serious enough to harm me; a little pressure would stop the bleeding.

So, I didn’t rush. It was like waiting for a lover to respond, savoring the anticipation.

Before long, I heard a faint tapping behind me.

Turning my head, I saw a thorny vine brushing against the window, quickly retreating.

“A midnight game of hide-and-seek, huh?” I muttered as I finally began walking toward her room.

Surprisingly, the hallway was unusually empty, with no maids in sight, allowing me to reach her room effortlessly. The door was even ajar, a stark contrast to the time I’d scaled the wall to enter.

Grateful for the easier entry, I stepped inside.

The door closed behind me with a soft click, and when I glanced at my wrist, the bleeding had stopped completely.

“You’re late,” came her voice.

“...?”

“Later than I expected.”

Her emotionless tone brushed against my ears. I took a moment to savor the sound before looking toward the silhouette behind the bed’s curtains.

“The princess stopped by to see me.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“Isn’t it?”

“You know exactly what I mean.”

“Yes, and after that, you called me. Quite one-sidedly, I might add.”

I rubbed my wrist, wiping away the dried blood, and casually remarked,

“But I’m not your possession. If anything, you’re mine.”

“The noble hero is especially rude when it comes to me, isn’t he?”

“Stating facts isn’t a crime, is it?”

“It is. Not kneeling before the queen, and even daring to call her a possession? That’s quite the sin.”

“If you still haven’t accepted it, I can leave a deeper mark this time,” I said, with a sly grin.

“When will I finally manage to string you up by your neck, I wonder?”

“Perhaps we should get to the point. The night’s too short to indulge in you completely.”

There was truth in my words. Midnight had already passed, and I couldn’t stay away from the princess’s side for long. She would soon notice my absence, her hand searching the empty bed for me.

If mirian understood this, she didn’t show it. Her voice remained calm, as if undisturbed by the urgency.

“I just wanted to talk. Like you said, it’s lonely trying to sleep alone. Surely a hero like you must have countless tales to entertain a woman, no?”

“Tales?”

“Don’t you have any? If not, that’s disappointing.”

“It’s not that I don’t, but I’m not sure any of them would amuse you.”

“Try me. The bed may be small, but I can spare some room for a storyteller.”

With that, mirian drew the curtains slightly aside, revealing herself.

Unlike her usual attire, tonight she wore a delicate nightgown.

“...”

The unfamiliar sight drew my gaze instantly. Dim light spilled over her, highlighting the soft fabric that clung to her form. It was an allure impossible to ignore.

“Go on, then, Hero. Tell me a story,” she said with a faint smirk.

“If it’s entertaining enough, I might just stay up with you until dawn.”