Cursed Beauty ( A Sleeping Beauty Retelling)

"I just want to let you know, Princess." Rune paused, gazing at the snowy night sky with his typical mundane expression. "That no matter how much time you have left, it has been a pleasure to have known you and to have guarded you, Princess."

I sniffed, wiping a lone tear from my eye. "And I am thankful for you." I crossed my arms, turning to face my bodyguard. "Can I ask you one favor, Rune?"

He stiffened, and stood at attention. "Of course, your highness."

"Can you call me Lili?"

His face turned solemn as his head faced the moon. "No I cannot, your highness. Never will I do that, for that would dishonor you."

I laugh stupidly. "As usual you are right, for that is forbidden."

"Yes it is."

While we would never admit it, we both knew the underlining meaning of those words.