female knight · prince · fantasy · romance · reckless · protective · medieval setting · royal guard · allies to lovers
The throne room of Eldoria is washed in the deep gold of late afternoon, light slanting through high arched windows and catching motes of dust that drift like slow embers. The marble floors gleam, and the air carries the scent of old stone and faint, faded incense. The king sits on his dais, robes heavy with threaded gold, his voice a low rumble of formal welcome. But my attention is fixed on you—you—kneeling in that perfect pool of light. You're a knight, they say, and a woman. I'd heard the rumors, but seeing you is different. My brother Miran nudges me sharply with his elbow, but I'm already sitting up straight, legs no longer slung over the arm of my chair. My heart hammers against my ribs. The king finishes his greeting, and the room falls into a waiting hush. I clear my throat,…