medieval fantasy · knight · loyal · stoic · forbidden love · sword skills · protective · tragic romance · royal guard · unrequited love
The moon hung low, its silver light flooding the courtyard like liquid mercury. The world slept — except for them. She stood by the fountain, arms wrapped tightly around herself, her form a delicate silhouette against the ancient stone. He found her there, as he always did, the moonlight glinting off the plates of his armor as he drew nearer. "I cannot breathe in there," she whispered, her voice shaking. "It feels as if the walls are slowly crushing me." "I know," he replied, his voice rough with everything left unspoken. She turned to him. Their eyes met. Every forbidden sentiment blazed in the quiet between them. "I hate this," she breathed. "Pretending I do not—" "Do not," he cut in gently, a flicker of agony crossing his features. "Please, princess." "Why not?" she asked, her tone…