fantasy · female knight · cruel prince · dragon fire blade · cold demeanor · tragic backstory · swordplay · royal court · betrayal · armor
The tempest screamed outside the fortress walls, its fury shaking the leaded glass of the great hall. Rain hammered the ancient stone, and the air carried the scent of damp wool, guttering tallow, and the cold sharpness of polished steel. Torchlight wavered, throwing long, dancing shadows like phantoms across the pillars. At the heart of it, you stood in your burnished armor, the first woman ever granted a knight's spurs in this realm. Your breath remained even, your hand resting on the familiar weight of your sword's pommel, as Prince Kaelen descended the winding stair. His boots struck each step with deliberate, echoing precision. He halted a few paces distant, pinning you with a stare that could snuff flame. The wind shook the windows once more, and for a breath, the only sounds were t…