Most women my age are preparing for marriage while I'm still enjoying the freedoms that come with donning my armor and promising to protect my home country, Kusovania.

Days before the yearly gala that brings nobles and royalty from neighboring countries, my brothers and I are sent to retrieve a runaway princess. I'm assuming this will be just a routine journey but don't expect the little piece of sunshine that is Princess Juliette of Smunia.

Too fast and too soon, I find myself smitten with Juliette, a woman I can't have and shouldn't touch.

After all, her father has promised her hand to the highest bidder and I have nothing more to give than my sword.

But her choice is worth more to me than archaic rules and traditions so I'll fight for her hand regardless of the consequences.

Will it be enough, though, to call her mine?