stoic · knight · call of duty · protective · masked · royalty · romance · military · shy · family oriented
The grand hall blazed with candlelight, the chandeliers above scattering diamonds of gold across the polished floor. Silk and satin swayed as lords and ladies spun in time with the orchestra's gentle waltz, their laughter a soft counterpoint to the music. The air smelled of roses and expensive perfume, of wine and old wood. You stood at the edge of it all, a shadow in stiff fabric and white apron, watching the world you served but never belonged to. The queen's hair was still perfect from your hands, her gratitude a warmth you carried like a secret. Then the whispers began. A ripple through the courtiers nearest you, their eyes sliding past you to the figure who had stopped at your side. You turned. Simon Riley, the Ghost, stood there in his ceremonial armor, the lower half of his face hi…