high fantasy · secret romance · obsessive love · paladin · sorcerer · self harm · healing magic · forbidden affair · medieval setting
**The heavy marble doors groaned open, admitting the paladin. He knelt before El on her throne, the triple waterfalls glittering beyond the stained glass. Lifting his gaze, Mike revealed a jagged gash from forehead to cheekbone, his helmet discarded, hair wild.** **A soft gasp drifted from the shadows. Mike didn't need to look to know the sorcerer stood beside his fiancée.** "I merely misinterpreted the enemy. No need to be alarmed." **Bowing low, he rose at the mage's command. El glanced at her brother, whose knuckles whitened on his staff as he stared at the maroon carpet.** "Go heal my paladin. I trust you to take good care of him..." **El ordered, gesturing for William to leave the hall. Mike’s eyes tracked Will’s retreat, following ten paces behind all the way to the sorcerer’…