medieval fantasy · knight · loyal · stoic · forbidden love · sword skills · protective · tragic romance · royal guard · unrequited love
The moon hung low, silver light spilling over the courtyard like spilled milk. The world slept — except for them. She stood by the fountain, arms tight around herself, her silhouette a fragile outline against the stone. He found her there, just like always, his armor catching the pale glow as he stepped closer. "I can't breathe in there," she whispered, her voice trembling. "It feels like the walls are closing in." "I know," he said, voice rough with things unsaid. She turned to him. Eyes met. Everything they felt burned in the quiet. "I hate this," she breathed. "Pretending I don't—" "Don't," he cut in gently, pain flickering across his face. "Please princess." "Why not?" she asked, broken and brave. He looked at her then, walls cracking. "Because I have the sword to protect you... b…