Chapter I

The Kingdom of Kukya is a modern metropolis with skyscrapers, containing lush forests surrounded by mountains. It’s protected by a magic wall projected by the citadel by the monarch, where the royal family lives. The city itself is fashioned in a futuristic gothic revival style with automaton gargoyle guards that help keep flying monsters out. The currency in Kukya is buckles, small round metal coins in copper, silver, gold, and violet. There is a topside to the city, and the underside is usually where rebels and criminals live.

Princess Roes runs hand in hand with her bodyguard, Miracle. “Do you think my father will be upset with me? Leaving that man he chose for me to be my husband at the altar?” Roes laughs, a smile on her face. Miracle tells her that he could never stay mad at her for long. “True… father could never stay mad at me forever. Since we’re out this way, why don’t we sneak out of the city and go on an adventure?” Roes places her hands on her hips, catching her breath. Roes winks at her bodyguard.

It seemed not too long ago that she had met them. They had no name of their own or memory of their past. Miracle had been badly injured and on the brink of death. Roes, along with the castle’s doctor, had saved them. They had no memory of their past, of who they were, or what their hometown was, so the princess knight gave them a name and proclaimed Kukya as their home.

Miracle nodded in agreement at their Princess’s suggestion of an adventure. They would keep an eye out for anyone that would be looking for them. Sneaking past a couple of guards, they entered Grand Stone Forest. “I know that we’re usually together, but it has been a long time since we were truly alone. I… I have something to discuss with you, Miracle.” Roes hummed. She stopped in her tracks, facing her bodyguard, who slowed their pace as well. They asked her what it is that she wished to discuss.

“I’ve been thinking about this for a while, and I want to travel out beyond Kukya’s walls. I would like it if you would accompany me.” Roes was serious and determined, looking into Miracles’ eyes. The bodyguard smiled at her, and they got down on one knee, their heads bowed and arms crossed over their chests. They told their princess that wherever she went, they would follow because home is where Roes is. The princess blushed, embarrassed by the proclamation.

“Thank you, Miracle. Now please stand up… if someone were to see this, they get the wrong idea.” Roes stutters. Including myself, she says to herself as Miracle rises to their feet. They notice the blush on their princess’s face and smile teasingly, asking if they should get back onto one knee. “That won’t be necessary. Besides, next time, you should have a ring.” Roes clears her throat. Their bodyguard tells their princess that they promise to have a ring next time.

“Oh? You promise, do you? Then why don’t we pinky-promise?” the princess holds out her pinkie to Miracle. The bodyguard smiles and loops their pinky with Roes. “Good you better not break it now!” the princess teases. Miracles tells her that there is no way they would back out, especially not on Roes gently squeeze their pinkies a little tighter. “Let’s continue through the forest. We have a lot of ground to cover before nighttime falls upon us.” the princess lets go and motions over her shoulder.

The bodyguard nods in agreement, watching as Roes leads the way. Miracle walks beside her, matching her pace as they continue their walk through Grand Stone Forest. The soft sounds of birds and a gentle breeze blow around them. It isn’t long before night comes, and they decide to camp in an abandoned cave for the night. The bodyguard starts a fire and begins cooking them a meal while the princess lays out their bedrolls.

“How long has it been since we camped like this?” Roes questioned. Miracle thinks and then replies that it has been a couple of years. “Huh… has it really been that long? I could have sworn it hadn’t been too long ago.” the princess said in surprise. The bodyguard laughed teasing Roes that it feels that way because the princess prefers the outdoors more to a stuffy old castle. “You’re right, Miracle… I do enjoy the outside more than being stuck inside the castle all of the time. Ruling a castle doesn’t feel like it’s for me. Honestly, it would be better if my younger brother took over instead. He has the mindset for it, and I just want to be free.” Roes giggles.

The princess looks up that the sky as if lost in thought. Miracle begins to bring out their cooking gear to start making their meal. Before long, the soup is boiling above the fire in a portable cooking pot. “That smells amazing~ Of course, your cooking has always been splendid.” Roes sniffs. Miracle smiles, telling her they’re glad she enjoys it.

“I always enjoy your cooking. I actually prefer it. I sadly am not a good cook.” the princess giggles. The bodyguard tells her that they can teach her sometime when she wants to learn. As they begin to use a ladle to dish up some soup for the two of them along with some bread. They hand a bowl over to Roes, who kindly accepts it. “Thank you so much, Miracle.” Roes smiles.

Miracle nods and sits next to the princess with their own bowl, eating their dinner together. After they were done, the bodyguard found a clean stream to wash the dishes in. Roes settles down on her bedroll, waiting for her companion to return. Having pulled their bedrolls close together. When the bodyguard returned, they put the dishes away, joining the princess.

“It has been quite a while since the two of us have lain next to one another,” said Roes with a smile. Miracle blushes a bit, embarrassed. “How adorable! Are you being shy? We usually share a bed, so sleeping next to me under the stars isn’t too embarrassing, is it?” the princess giggles. The bodyguard shakes their head, pulling the blankets up over both of them. Roes snuggles close, gazing into Miracle’s eyes.

“You know I’ve been thinking after our adventure, why don’t we get married?” Roes’ voice is low as if she is scared to be heard. Miracle is surprised by what they hear and gets flustered. The princess giggles and gives the bodyguard a reassuring smile. “Only if you want to, of course. I won’t push you into something that you don’t want to do.” said Roes. Miracle shakes their head, saying that they one-hundred percent want to marry the princess.

It makes Roes smile, and she wraps her arms around them. “That makes me happy, Miracle! That you feel the same… I’ll do my best to make you happy for the rest of our lives, for however long that may be.” The princess sniffles. Roes’ eyes flutter closed as she falls asleep with her arms wrapped protectively around Miracle, who holds her close as well. They kept alert through the night as they slept, ensuring both of their safety. As Miracle would never let any harm come to her.

Staring up at the night sky, a shooting star shot towards another star, blinking out in an instant. The bodyguard closed their eyes and exhaled slowly, making a wish. May Roes live a happy and long life.