Fairytales aren’t far off from reality, and with time, you’ll realize that the knights and ladies of the court weren’t always as ruthless as they seemed. The scholars go on to achieve great wisdom, and the so-called “outcasts” embrace their quirks even more boldly. They find kingdoms where their individuality is celebrated and finally voice all the emotions they once buried when they felt unwelcomed by their king and queen.

Eyes watching, nobles, admirers, and rivals alike. «What did I do?», a question that echoes endlessly, one I’ve grown weary of asking myself.

I ended up befriending the most renowned knights. On the tournament grounds, they kept switching strategies, trying to throw their opponents off. The ploy failed, yet somehow, rumors spread that there was something between the princess and viscount. Between us? Truly?

You’re a jest and a knave. You thought your false sense of superiority would sway me, but I’ve always known that riches are not everything. Go ahead, ride off in your gilded carriage and wreck it halfway because you couldn’t resist mixing your goblets. The elixirs were never the issue; it’s the toxic brew you create that turns you into a beast.

That’s who you are. Oh, and you’re good at hiding your teeth, but I figured you out and so did the viscountess. She is better than you’ll ever admit, someone you took for granted while constantly demanding more from those who never sought you out. You don’t want connection; you crave their attention.

You want our bodies, our submission, and then act bewildered when we don’t give you permission. I could have rallied the whole town against you; pitchforks in hand, proof in abundance. You’d have been tied and burned in seconds. But instead, I chose mercy, because that’s what we girls are taught to do. Forgive, forget. Yet, I’ll admit, I have regrets, and none of them involve sparing you.

Run, run, hide if you must; as I ride my horse off toward the east. Go ahead, find my friends gathered at the old wooden tavern hidden at the back of the silver woods. Will you confess what you did to me in the carriage? They’re all waiting to hear the dramatic tale. Tell them how you left me vulnerable, lost in thoughts of despair while the moon hung high crying for me for the second time.

You once tried to be a white knight, but your armor was brittle, and your sword lacked conviction. I am my own knight in shining armor, forged in resilience and sharpened by the battles I’ve faced alone. And now, I only hope you find me as your foe, since you already declared war upon the fortress I built on my own.

At least I had hope that this town might change a few things for the better. There were too many jokes I didn’t understand, but I laughed anyway just to please the court.

Now, I’m saying farewell to my friends and riding off to a kingdom I know I’ll stumble again, making new mistakes. But at least I’m content. At least I’m far away. At least I’ll finally find joy. I’ll carve out my own path and pledge my loyalty to the little kingdom I’ll help build, brick by brick, all on my own.