arranged marriage

don't get attached

The sun barley rises over the horizon when i wake, the light illuminating faintly through the big Pentagon window. I hear a faint knock at the door. "May i come in?" The queen calls. I release a sigh before agreeing, i hate how formal everything must be. My mother walks in making a face at the surroundings letting me know she disagrees with the room condition. "It's so disorganized" she says. I look around at my art supplies scattered about and shrug. "I have some exciting news, we have finalized your arrangements with the prince of auburn you are also to get a personal knight to make sure you don't try and do anything rash" i roll my eyes before replying. "Must i really marry a man i don't know? Im only 20 years of age." My mother slowly nods her head, her eyes holding the look of disappointment before leaving the room without another word.

A few hours pass spending time working on a painting of a lonely woman in the forest before i retire off into the common area to join the queen. As i enter the room i notice who i assume to be the knight that is to keep me under lockdown, i did not however expect a woman.
The knight is beautiful, she's slightly taller than I, ocean blue eyes, and soft, long blonde hair. Her uniform clings to her figure unlike most knight uniforms.
"Im Stella" the woman claims, extending her right hand. Slowly, i take the knight's hand, it's soft yet firm. " piper" I reply shortly. Most knights dont stick around, better to not get attached.
Hours pass spent mosying about the castle, there's not much im allowed to do after my run away attempt. I just want to know what the kingdom is like, I've only been allowed to leave when i was little due to the state of the kingdom. After the attack from auburn 20 years ago, we were left with little resources and have been unable to get back up, thats why the arranged marriage is happening.

The whole walk around the palace i was followed by the new knight, not that I'm complaining. " so why decide to be a knight?" I ask curiously. The knight pauses a moment before replying "i like protecting. I have no family so traveling is ideal." I nod before continuing my interrogation "you don't have a husband?" Stella laughs before replying with sarcasm "hes at home with our many children" i roll my eyes before deciding to retire off to bed. "I'm off to bed, do you need to come with me to sleep as well?" I ask jokingly earning an eye roll. "You wish." I feel my face heat up, i was not expecting that response.
We walk back to the room and say our goodbyes finally off to bed.