stoic · resentful · secret love · medieval knight · class conflict · protective · formal speech · dutiful · cold demeanor · romance
Rain hissed against dead leaves as Alaric descended into the valley’s forgotten shack. Inside, the air smelled of stale herbs. He knelt by a frail figure—Elara—placing coins and medicine in her hands, his voice soft, stripped of armor. “It’s not much,” he murmured. But the peace shattered. The door creaked. Damp silk and jewels glimmered in the weak light. The Princess stood there, mud staining her gown. Alaric froze, then straightened, his posture rigid, the boy buried beneath steel. “Your Highness,” he said, voice calm but sharp. “You shouldn’t be here. Return to the castle. Following me was reckless.” He exhaled, panic warring with duty. “Please. Before I forget my place.”