Kurt let out a sigh, staring up at the starry sky. It was late and the streets were quiet, the occasional chirping of crickets breaking the silence. The moonlight was dim, the air cool and crisp. He was standing outside the tavern, leaning against the wall his arms crossed.

He was restless, his mind replaying the events of the ball over and over again. He couldn't stop thinking about Sybil. The way she'd felt in his arms, the way she'd smelled, the way she'd smiled at him... It was driving him crazy.

He couldn't stop thinking about Sybil, but he couldn't also stop thinking about that man, Allen Trevent. He didn't like the way that man treated Sybil, how he spoke of her. It was disrespectful, and it made his blood boil.

Hearing commotion from the alley nearby, Kurt pushed himself off the wall; That was his cue. He couldn't maybe do anything to the situation with him and Lady Sybil, but there was something he could do to make himself feel better.

Making his way to the darkened alley, he was met with a pair of coin guards. With a curt nod, he dismissed them, turning his attention on the man who was sitting on the ground, his back against the wall.

"Sir Allen Trevent." Kurt greeted, his voice cold and distant.

"What the hell?" The man cursed, his voice slurred. He didn't look as arrogant and pompous as a few days ago, his fancy clothes disheveled, his brown hair messy. "Who are you? What do you think you're-"

Trevent could barely get up on his feet when Kurt landed a punch into his gut. The man doubled over, gasping for air, his hands gripping his stomach.

"Don't worry; I'll make sure to punch you where it won't be visible." Kurt smirked. "It would be a shame to ruin that pretty face of yours, wouldn't it?"

"You can't-" The man coughed. "-do this." His eyes were full of fear and disbelief, as if he couldn't comprehend what was happening.

"Listen to me." Kurt said, his tone calm and collected. "I don't know what kind of game you're playing, but I don't like it. Leave Lady Sybil alone."

"Or what?" The man scoffed, regaining his composure.

"Or next time, it'll be more than just a punch." Kurt threatened, his expression dark.

"Are you threatening me?" Trevent's voice was laced with anger and disbelief.

"I'd suggest you to think twice before drawing your sword." Kurt warned, his eyes narrowing as he watched Trevent's shaky hand reaching for the weapon on his belt. "Because, you see, sir Allen Trevent..." Kurt shook his head, reaching for the hilt of his blade. The heavy greatsword made a loud, ominous clank as it hit the stone street, making the young man almost jump out of his skin. "This is a big boy's sword. And, if you're not careful, it can do a big owie to little Trevent."

The man's hand froze, his gaze flickering between the sword and the mercenary's face. "Fine. You've made your point." He swallowed nervously.

"Have I?" Kurt asked, taking a step forward. Trevent only squealed when he grabbed onto his collar and pulled him up, bashing him against the wall. "Don't. You. Dare. To. Touch. Lady. Sybil." Kurt said through gritted teeth. "She doesn't deserve the likes of you."

"Y-yes!" The young man's eyes were wide as he nodded, his voice shrill.

"Good. And, you're going to write a letter; You're going to tell her how sorry you are, how you've realized what a disgrace of a person you are, and that you hope she can forgive you." Kurt continued, tapping the man's forehead with the pommel of his sword to make sure he was paying attention. "And, if you don't, or if I see you near her again..." Kurt tightened his grip on the man's collar.

"I-I will! I'll do it!"

"See that you do." Kurt released his hold, watching as the young man collapsed on the ground, his breath ragged. "I'll be watching you, Trevent. And don't forget, I have plenty of friends in the guard; One word from me, and you'll be rotting in a prison cell."

The man's face went pale, and he could only nod in agreement.

"Now, get out of here." Kurt waved his hand, dismissing the man.

Trevent scrambled to his feet and ran off, disappearing into the darkness of the alley. Kurt stood there, staring after him. He didn't feel sorry for the guy; If anything, he was glad he'd gotten a chance to vent his frustrations.

As the man disappeared from view, Kurt sighed, shaking his head. It wasn't much, but at least it was something. At least now, he wouldn't have to worry about Trevent bothering Lady Sybil anymore.

Kurt sheathed his sword, the blade clicking into place. The metal was cold against his skin, and it reminded him of the truth: He couldn't protect her from everything... But no matter what, he would always be there for her. He would stand by her side and defend her, even if it meant going against the rules, and against his own desires.

Even if it was wrong, he couldn't help himself; He had never felt like this before, and it was overwhelming. The thought of her brought a flutter to his stomach and a warmth to his cheeks. He wanted to see her smile, to hear her laugh, to hold her close and never let go. But, it was all wishful thinking, and the realization made him feel foolish— He was a nobody, and she was a noblewoman, from one of the most prestigious houses in all Teer Fradee or Gacane. They came from two different worlds, and they could never be together.

But, despite all that, despite knowing the truth, despite knowing it was wrong, he couldn't bring himself to regret it. Because, deep down, he was happy. Happy to have met her, happy to have gotten the chance to know her. Happy to be by her side, even only as her bodyguard. And, for now, that was enough.

It was enough.

The manor garden was quiet, the afternoon sun warming the air. Sybil was sitting under a tree, flipping through the pages of a letter she received this morning. Seeing the Trevant family crest on the envelope, she had felt hesitant to open it, but her curiosity got the better of her. And, now, she was reading the contents of the letter, a frown on her face.

"Lady Sybil." Kurt's voice broke the silence, and she looked up, spotting the man approaching her.

"Oh, Kurt. Hello." She greeted him, putting the letter away.

"How are you, m'lady?" He asked, his gaze drifting to the letter in her hands. "Is something the matter?"

"This? It's from Sir Allen Trevent." Sybil sighed.

"Ah." Kurt nodded, his expression darkening. "Did he bother you again?"

"No, no." Sybil shook her head. "Actually, quite the opposite. He wanted to apologize for his rude behavior. Can you believe it?" The way her brow furrowed hinted that she had a hard time believing it herself.

"Well ain't that a surprise." Kurt muttered, letting his gaze wander across the garden.

"Yes, he said he was sorry, and he was hoping I could forgive him." Sybil explained, her tone disbelieving. "He wrote like... what, five pages?" She showed the stack of papers to Kurt, and he gave it a quick glance.

"I see."

"Dear Lady Sybil, I'm writing to apologize for my behavior." Sybil read a part of the letter out loud. "I was foolish and impulsive, and I should have treated you with more respect. I hope you can forgive me. I have realized the error of my ways and I promise to change, and... Well, the list goes on." She shrugged. "I don't know what to think."

"He must have realized that his chances are non-existent." Kurt suggested, turning away from her to hide the fact that he was smirking to himself.

"Perhaps." Sybil frowned.

"Well, at least it seems like you won't have to worry about him anymore."

"I suppose so." Sybil agreed. "That's a relief, indeed."

They fell silent, neither of them knowing what to say. They had grown closer in the past weeks, and it had become easier to talk, but sometimes, they still struggled to find the right words.

"Oh well. I should get going or my music teacher will scold me." Sybil said after a while, folding the letter away as she prepared to get up.

Kurt offered his hand to her and she accepted it, letting him help her up. The feeling of her soft, warm skin made him feel lightheaded, and his heart began to race. Her touch lingered, and she looked up at him, her blue eyes filled with affection.

"Thank you." Sybil smiled, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.

Kurt could only nod as he reluctantly pulled away, his hand falling to his side. He watched as the young lady dusted her ivory dress, a wistful expression on her face. She was so beautiful and he couldn't help but stare, his gaze following her as she started to make her way towards the manor.

"Lady Sybil." He called after her, not wanting her to leave.

"Yes, Kurt?" She turned to him, a curious look in her eyes.

"Um, I..." He stammered, his mind racing. He didn't want her to leave, but he didn't know how to keep her. "Would you like me to walk you back inside?" He managed, trying to think of a reason to spend more time with her.

"Sure." Sybil nodded, a smile tugging at her lips. "You can come and listen to me play, if you want?" She suggested. "My teacher won't mind, I'm sure."

"Sounds great." Kurt smiled, relieved that she hadn't seen through his ruse.

He walked alongside her, his heart fluttering as they made their way to the manor. The feeling was familiar, and he had already stopped denying the truth. He was helplessly, hopelessly, and irreversibly in love with Lady Sybil, and he didn't want it any other way.

They walked in silence, both of them lost in their thoughts. But, despite the quietness, it was a comfortable silence, and neither of them seemed to mind. It was peaceful, and they both enjoyed the feeling of closeness, of being together.

As they approached the entrance, the door swung open and Lord Harbird emerged, a sour look on his face.

"There you are, Sybil." He huffed. "Your teacher is waiting for you. What took you so long?"

"Sorry, father." Sybil apologized, bowing her head. "I was out in the gardens."

"Hmph." Lord Harbird crossed his arms. "Next time, try not to take so long."

"Yes, father."

"Good. Now, go. Don't keep your teacher waiting."

Sybil nodded and hurried inside. Kurt was about to follow her, but the Duke stopped him.

"Kurt, I need to speak with you." The old nobleman said, his tone serious.

"Of course, Your Grace." Kurt responded, wondering what was wrong.

"Walk with me." Lord Harbird motioned him to follow, leading the way to the other end of the entrance hall.

Kurt followed his employer, wondering what this was all about. Lord Harbird seemed troubled, lost in thought, his brow furrowed.

"As Lady Sybil's bodyguard, you're spending a great amount of time with her, am I correct?" The Duke spoke, not looking at Kurt. "Sometimes alone with her, even."

"I... Yes." Kurt admitted, his cheeks growing hot. "Yes, Your Grace." He nodded. "I'm keeping an eye on her, just like you instructed me."

The two of them had made their way out of the main hall, walking along a narrow hallway.

"You've been a loyal servant, Kurt, and I have no reason to distrust you. But, I have heard some... rumors." Lord Harbird finally turned to him, his gaze intense.

"Rumors, Your Grace?" Kurt repeated, his expression blank.

"About my daughter's virtue." Lord Harbird clarified. "I understand you two are... close, but I need to know that nothing improper is going on between the two of you."

"I- Of course not, Your Grace." Kurt tried to remain calm, his pulse beginning to quicken. "I have nothing but the utmost respect for Lady Sybil."

"And, she has nothing but respect for you, I'm sure." The Duke sighed. "But she is still young, and she doesn't know the world as well as she thinks. I'm afraid she might be... misreading the signs, so to speak. Allowing herself to be too comfortable in your presence. You understand what I'm saying, don't you?"

"M'lord, I am her bodyguard. My duty is to protect her, not to..." Kurt trailed off, unable to say the words.

"Yes, yes, I understand that." Lord Harbird waved his hand, dismissing his comment. "I just don't want her to get a wrong idea about certain things, and... Well, we both know what men are like, don't we?"

"Yes, Your Grace." Kurt could feel a heat spreading on his cheeks, his ears burning.

"Good. Now, I know you wouldn't deliberately lead her on, but you need to be more careful, especially around the servants. They can be quite... talkative." Lord Harbard warned. "I would hate to see your or my daughter's reputation ruined by false rumors."

"I understand, Your Grace." Kurt promised.

"Very well." Lord Harbird seemed satisfied, the tension in his shoulders easing. "We can't afford a scandal, not when things are finally starting to look up for her." He added.

"Pardon me, Your Grace?" Kurt was puzzled by the comment.

"Young sir Trevent didn't warm up to Sybil, but she seemed to catch the eye of some of the other suitors at the party." The Duke explained, a sense of pride in his voice. "I have finally arranged a marriage proposal for her, from a very good family, not to mention."

The news hit Kurt like a ton of bricks. He had expected it, but hearing the words come from the Duke's mouth felt like a slap in the face. He stood there, the world around him fading.

"I- I see, my lord." He managed to reply, his voice barely a whisper.

"Yes, he's a very eligible suitor, and I am quite pleased with him. We are in the final stages of negotiating, and I hope the wedding will be arranged as soon as possible."

Kurt could feel his heart shatter, the pieces falling to the ground, his chest constricting painfully. The news had caught him off-guard, and his mind was spinning. He couldn't think, couldn't speak, and all he could do was stand there, paralyzed by his own despair.

"Well, I won't keep you from your duties." Lord Harbird clapped him on the shoulder, breaking the moment. "Just be mindful of the things I said, Kurt."

"Y-yes, Your Grace." Kurt stammered, his gaze fixed on the ground.

"Good man."

Lord Harbird walked off, leaving Kurt alone in the hallway. His knees felt weak, and he had to lean against the wall for support. His breath was ragged, his chest heavy, and his eyes stung with unshed tears.

It was too much. He had known the truth, had known his place, but it still hurt. The idea of Lady Sybil being married to another man was unbearable. And, the worst part was, there was nothing he could do.

He would have to stand aside, to watch as the woman he loved was given away to another. Could he do that? Could he keep his feelings hidden, could he watch as she married a stranger, a man she didn't love? Would he be able to stand by her side, to watch as her new husband took her in his arms, kissing her tenderly? To watch her share her life, her bed, with another man?

One thing was certain: He couldn't give up on her. He would stay by her side, even if it meant tearing his heart out every day. It was a cruel fate, more than he could bear, but it was all he had.

As Kurt walked away, he could feel the pieces of his broken heart crumble, falling to the floor.