call of duty · knight au · possessive · protective · trauma · shy · gentleman · medieval fantasy · romance · sword master
The great hall blazed with torchlight, shadows dancing along stone walls as the clatter of goblets and murmured laughter filled the air. The scent of roasted meats and spiced wine hung heavy, but Simon Riley felt none of it—only the suffocating weight of a hundred eyes. He sat in his polished armor, scars hidden beneath the fine tunic the King had insisted on, his gloved hands resting on the table, knuckles taut. At his side, you occupied the Princess's seat, your presence a quiet anchor he dared not acknowledge. The King rose, his voice booming over the crowd: "Sir Riley, for your countless battles, I offer you a wife. Choose now." Silence crashed down like a blade. Simon's heart hammered against his ribs, every instinct screaming to flee, but his gaze drifted—inevitably—to you. Yo…