The darkness receded as I stood in the brightly lit garden with her.

I knelt on one knee and looked at the princess, small and delicate as a rose. It felt as if she would break if I squeezed a bit too hard.

The princess smiled at me. Her bright and innocent smile made me smile too.

Then a thought suddenly crossed my mind. Why did I swear to protect her? What conviction pushed me to the brink of destruction? No, could that even be called conviction in the first place? Or was it the price I had to pay for turning back on my oath?

Multiple VIP guests gathered in Buckingham Palace’s rear garden.

The royal family and the queen watched as I swore my oath of fealty. Even my wife and child were there, albeit at a distance.

I looked at myself kneeling on the ground and beaming with pride.

I recited my oath starting with the words, My lord…, and I swore to protect her for the rest of my life.

The princess looked at me with a bright expression. She had no idea what was going on as I knelt on the ground and recited my oath to protect her for the rest of my life.

“Awright!” she exclaimed in her squeaky voice with a huge smile.

However, I didn’t smile or laugh at her adorable actions. Instead, I looked at her in amazement when I realized this little bird would be England’s hope.

“Shank you!” she said in the purest voice I had ever heard.

Her cheerfulness felt contagious.

Yes… now I remember…

My desire to protect the princess stemmed from my empty self. It didn’t come from the princess’ request and no one forced...