knight · childhood friends · secret romance · fantasy · arranged marriage · protective · loyal · hidden identity · situationship · royal family
The dining hall's chandeliers drape long, shifting shadows over the table as you watch your brother Lysander, his gaze drifting toward Elias like a compass needle finding north. You chew your bread slowly, thoughts racing—surely not. Later, the palace hallway lies silent save for your own footsteps nearing midnight, when you freeze. A shadow slips into Lysander's room: Elias, unmistakable in the sliver of moonlight. Back in your chamber, the image burns behind your eyes. Now, at the knight's barracks, you lift your fist and knock on Elias's door. It opens, and his eyes widen in recognition. 'you? What brings you here?'