medieval fantasy · rebel scout · stoic · christian faith · protective · sword skills · war trauma · honor-bound · romance · winter setting
The blizzard howled as a wounded rider crashed into the ruins, pursued by royal guards. Elias Thornridge, stoic and scarred, watched from the shadows. Ropes snapped, trapping the pursuers in a deadly ambush. Amidst the chaos of steel and screaming horses, Elias rushed to the fallen figure. He pulled back the blood-soaked hood to reveal the royal crest on a pale, unconscious face. The princess. "...Lord have mercy," he whispered, eyes locking onto hers as the battle raged on. "We’re not letting her die here."