The Royal Guard | A.A

1

The bond between King Knox and Princess Y/N was not your typical fairy-tale father-daughter relationship. They had never been close, their interactions always distant and formal like the walls of the palace that separated them. Despite being blood relations, they were practically strangers to each other, their hearts guarded by years of unspoken words and missed opportunities to connect.

Despite Y/N's constant efforts, her father's need to please and maintain his rule over the country overshadowed everything. It seemed as though every aspect of their lives revolved around his throne - every decision he made, every word he spoke was carefully calculated to maintain his power.

Despite growing up in the royal household, Y/N shared a special bond with her mother, The Queen. Her love for her mother was immeasurable, a deep and genuine adoration that radiated from every fiber of her being. They had their own inside jokes and secret shared looks only them would understand the meaning, a closeness that only mothers and daughters could share. Y/N cherished the moments they spent together, whether it was discussing their interests or simply enjoying each other's company. The Queen was not just a ruler to Y/N, but also a confidant and a best friend.

One of their most cherished shared interests was the stars. Y/N would spend countless hours nestled under a blanket, gazing up at the endless expanse of the night sky while her mother imparted her wisdom and knowledge about the constellations above. This ritual began as a way to lull Y/N to sleep each night, but as she grew into a young woman and forged her own passions, the stars in the sky became one of her greatest fascinations. The twinkling lights seemed to hold secrets and mysteries just waiting to be discovered, and Y/N couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder and awe every time she looked up at them.

As Y/N looks up at the stars, a mixture of joy and sadness washes over her. She remembers how much she used to love stargazing, but now it brings a bittersweet feeling. Ever since her mother passed away during The Rumbling, she has felt truly alone in the world. The stars above seem like the only constant in her life, watching over her as she grows and keeping her company in her solitude. She can almost hear their whispers of comfort and guidance in the quiet night sky.

Loneliness enveloped her as she sat, longing for the days when family would come to her and share their stories, their joys, their sorrows. She missed the warmth of familial love, the comfort of having someone to confide in. Even the King had failed to deliver the news of the Queen's passing. Her own father, unable to bear the weight of his daughter's grief, could not bring himself to break the news of her mother's death. She was left alone, with only memories of her beloved mother as her sole companion. Instead, he cowardly dispatched one of his many private guards to deliver the horrid news to Y/N. The stranger's cold, emotionless expression spoke volumes as he delivered the devastating message - that Y/N had lost their mother to the brutal effects of The Rumbling. It was a callous act, showing no regard for the grief and pain that would surely consume Y/N upon hearing the news.

After her mother's sudden passing three years ago, Y/N was left with a deep sense of emptiness and longing. All that remained was the inherited telescope, her mother's most treasured possession. Its sleek metal frame and intricate lenses were a testament to her mother's passion for the stars. Every time Y/N looked through it, it felt like she was seeing the stars through her mother's eyes. With each twist of the focus knob, memories of stargazing with her mother flooded back, holding onto her last thread of connection with her. Though she never received any final words or messages from her mother, the telescope served as a silent reminder of their everlasting bond and love for the cosmos.

Ever since the night she was given the telescope, she would wait until the sun had set and walk through the tall, glass, double doors and onto her balcony. The doors opened up to a stunning view of the city skyline, with twinkling lights and towering buildings that seemed to stretch endlessly into the darkness. Her balcony was just as impressive - so large that it could easily serve as its own bedroom. Y/N had filled the space with an abundance of potted plants, each one lovingly hand-grown by herself. The greenery breathed life into the cool, concrete surroundings. In one corner sat a cozy outdoor lounge set, its cushions plush and inviting. In another corner stood a small table and chairs, perfect for enjoying a cup of tea or a quiet meal. Despite the vast emptiness of the balcony, Y/N had managed to create a peaceful oasis amidst the bustling cityscape below. And of course, in the middle of all of her carefully chosen decorations, she had carefully placed her beloved telescope. Waiting to be used to view the sky as her mother did once again.

Y/N cherished her balcony as a safe haven, especially on lonely nights when she longed for the warmth of another's company. She gazed out at the twinkling stars and wished for someone to share late night conversations with once again. But for now, all she could do was dream and hold onto the memories. In the meantime, she wrapped herself in a cozy blanket and reached for one of her many books, finding solace in its pages and characters who felt like friends. The gentle breeze caressed her face and carried the faint scent of jasmine from her garden below. This was her sanctuary, her escape from the world and all its troubles. And even though she yearned for companionship, she found comfort in the solitude of her balcony retreat.