A time long ago, growing unrest in the Kingdom of Valice. A war on them, uncertainty from those living there. Many increasing casualties, numerous worrying about their livelihood. Countless rising to protect their home, others fleeing the madness.

An unnerving situation to the king, that man in the throne room. Sitting on his seat, tapping his chair. A few around him, Rona standing on the side. Estelle in front of her father this night, her concerning expression. Her red top, a black dress wrapping below.

"With how things are going, there has been a deal made to secure peace between our kingdoms. Estelle, I am sorry. Though, you are to marry the prince of Laquel." His eyes below.

"I...understand..." Gripping her arm, lowering her head.

"We did our best, princess. There is only so much we can do, even Atlalune would be crushed by their god Tiamat." Rona sadly looking away.

"If it is to protect her, I will do so without resistance..." Estelle facing the commander, her unease.

An entity able to level nations, a powerful ally underneath the enemy forces. Those unable to do anything against it, this troubling problem. These pieces in play, Rona connecting the dots.

Setting her points in place, awaiting a certain action. That maiden's willingness to protect the princess, a valuable unit on the board. This pure one's bond with her knight, a duo towards their own destruction.

"Now princess, just go and tell Atlalune. She is really the only one I am certain of that can stand against Laquel, her removal is necessary." The commander's calm vision, gripping her arms.

This chessboard before Rona, visualizing the pieces on it. One problematic person, training this individual herself. Her unease at the maiden's rapid growth, someone rising to her challenges.

A vulnerable point in her, acting on it, seizing on her opportunity. The princess soon leaving the room, sorrow to her eyes. Shortly walking down the hallway, eventually coming across her knight.

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"Estelle, what happened?" Atlalune's hand on her waist.

"Can you come to my room...? There is something I have to tell you..." Holding her upper arm, lowering her head.

"Okay..." The maiden's unease.

Seeing her distress, unable to do anything. Wondering about it, these unsettling feelings within the knight. Watching that one moving past her, soon following behind. Eventually entering the princess' room, her many setups.

A large bed to the back, her walls detailing with different research. Some plants in the corner, those exotic ones. Estelle sitting down on her bed, Atlalune seating herself next to her.

"Now, what is it that is bothering you?" the knight's hand over her companion's own.

"As you know, this war is getting worse. And a solution has come to bring peace between our kingdoms..." Her sad voice.

"Wait...don't tell me..." The maiden biting her lower lip.

"Yes...I am to marry the prince of Laquel..." The princess looking away, gripping her arms.

"Screw that, I'll talk to your father." Atlalune rising, her vision away.

"Atlalune, this is a war not even you can win! Their god is capable of crushing nations!" Estelle standing up, her hands to her chest.

"I'll be damned if I let some god take away what little freedom you have." Facing her companion, her hand on her waist.

Refusing to allow this, this precious person to the maiden. An individual brightly shining, making the most of her life. Two meeting on a certain day, a moment shaping their way.

Their growing bond, an inseparable duo. These guiding sentiments, Atlalune willing to rise to her challenge. An unlikely chance to succeed, that knight reaching for the smallest light.

"And do you think I want to see you get killed?! You have to realize there is a limit on what you can do!" Estelle sorrowfully swinging out her arm.

"I am your knight, Estelle. As such, even if I lose my life. So long as you are safe and happy, my job is a success. I took up this job, fully knowing I can die any day." Her eyes to her side.

"Well, it doesn't mean you have to! Ugh! You are so difficult to deal with!" the princess sitting down, looking away, her teary vision.

This innocent young woman, someone worrying about her. A knight devoting her existence to protecting her friend, her ventures out in the field. Accepting the possibility of death, forcing her way through her challenges.

Turning up with injuries, some more deep than others. Her life worrying the princess, yet the maiden choosing her path. Sitting down next to her companion, wrapping her arms around them.

"I promise...everything will be fine..." Atlalune's soft words to her.

I fully intended on charging into a battle that had almost no chance of winning. If there was any way to save Estelle, I was willing to do it. That even if I die, so long as she was safe and happy, then that would be enough for me...