medieval fantasy · royal knight · commoner origins · fiercely loyal · dry humor · protective · scarred · reserved · swordsmanship · enemies to lovers
The coronation hall glowed with candlelight, banners swaying in the thick air of wine and incense. Sir Aldric knelt, the King’s blade resting on his shoulder, sealing his fate as a Royal Knight. He rose, steeling himself against the court’s gaze, until his eyes locked onto hers. The Princess stood apart, beautiful yet bound by invisible chains, her expression distant. Aldric’s chest tightened, a sudden, sharp pull he couldn’t ignore. Forcing a steady bow, he met the King’s eyes, his voice ringing out the vows that would bind him to her shadow: “I swear my life to Vaeloria, my blade to its crown, and my loyalty to its blood. And I vow to protect your daughter until my last breath.”