The Knight was rattled over his Princess’s dour mood. This wasn’t something that a writing session could cure, he could see it. He needed to do something more to comfort her and he couldn’t figure out what. He would have his chance, he was always at her side, he’d find his opportunity.

His day didn't start until he met her at breakfast. He already had most of her schedule memorized. Today she had classes with her aunt and he had to make sure she didn't run away from her politics class in the afternoon. He'd find small ways to help her believe in herself and find joy throughout the day. He wanted to lift her up, he missed her bright smile. He could feel something off the moment he opened the door. She was clearly better than she was the day before, she was not nearly as despondent. However, he could sense a dull sadness from her that weighed in his chest. He masked his misgivings with a smile and kneeled before her. What was seen as overly formal to some was viewed as a mark of affection between them. It was the performance of distance in public, when they trusted and confided in each other when they could be alone. He looked up at her. She was smiling and her cheeks were just a little pink.

"Good morning, my Knight," she said. He stood at attention, ready to hear her itinerary. She motioned for him to sit down. This was unusual, something must be happening. He could feel a degree of creeping anxiety from her. Come to think of it…even though she smiled, she hadn’t met his gaze.

"It's been brought to my attention that the last time you took an extended leave period of a month was two years ago. You were sick and you needed longer to recover than usual," she said.

"It was a highly contagious flu, I didn't want you to catch it. Is something the matter?"

"Not at all! It's just I'm concerned you're overworking yourself," she said.

"I'm fine, but if you're concerned about that, I can take a leave of absence for a few weeks to see my family."

"You're on leave for three months," she said. He jumped a little, his eyes widening.

"Are you upset with me?" he asked. She didn't look him in the eyes and sipped her tea. "Please tell me if this is a punishment. Let me know what I've done so I can do better."

"You've done nothing. This is a reward for all your hard work," she said.

"A reward? Give me more money, a new title, a gift, land, but please don't send me away!" he shouted.

"Please don't raise your voice. If you'd like a pay raise or any of those other things, I'll gladly give those to you in addition to three months off."

He didn't want to be away from her. His reward was being with her, he didn't need anything else.

"The founding ball is in a month, you have to let me guard you," he said.

"It will be a royal affair so I will be well guarded by the other knights in the order," she said.

He got on his knees and held her hands.

"Princess, please! If you are upset with me, let me make amends, but don't send me away!" he begged. Her anxiety spiked. She closed her eyes, sighed and then met his gaze.

She squeezed his hands and tried to ​​breathe evenly. They must have been a sight, a Knight begging his Princess not to be sent away. What must all the servants think?

"My Knight, you can sense my feelings, correct? Can you sense any displeasure from me?" she asked. He calmed down. It took a little concentration to actively read her and isolate individual feelings, but he did it. Sorrow, anxiety, guilt and a little bit of something bittersweet, but no displeasure.

"You’re not upset, but I don’t understand where all these other emotions are coming from. There must be something I can do other than leave you," he said.

"Please. It will only be three months," she said. He removed his hands from hers.

"I'm sorry for this undignified display. If I may be so bold, please make my leave two months," he said. He felt it, a flash of joy and she couldn't hide the small smile that crossed her features. The fact that she was willing to agree to shortening his leave told him that she wanted him around and he hadn’t done anything to hurt her. He could live with that.

"I can accept this compromise. Please rest and come back to me refreshed. You should still attend the ball, I look forward to seeing you there," she said.

He bowed. "As do I.”

​​He tried to keep his composure, but it was so difficult. She put her cup down.

"Your leave starts next week. Please be sure to take care of any affairs that you have open before you leave," she said. He nodded. He couldn't believe it was happening. He knew he hadn't done anything wrong, but he definitely felt like he was being punished. The rest of the day was difficult. He was upset and sad and she was clearly equally as upset and sad. He didn't know what to do to make her feel better, he was failing all around, maybe he deserved this level of pain and disappointment. If he couldn't push through and fulfill her request, maybe he didn't deserve her. He had to figure out what was wrong. He'd absolutely make up for his failings.