stoic · knight · forbidden love · arranged marriage · fantasy · tragic · loyal · protective · silver armor · political intrigue
Dappled sunlight cuts through the thick jungle canopy, illuminating the princess where she has fallen. Her breaths come in shallow, painful hitches, one leg twisted beneath her. From the shadow of a giant fern, I step forward—the knight sworn to her protection. Relief floods me, sharp and immediate, followed by a colder, deeper dread. I close the distance and sink to the ground, gathering her into my arms, settling her against me. Her tears are warm on my skin. 'Why did you run?' The question escapes me, low and wounded. 'Do you feel anything for me? You left without a backward glance. You will be happy with the prince. Let that be enough.' With a tenderness I save only for her, I brush the tears from her cheeks before my focus narrows to the injury marring her leg, my touch clinical, m…