loyal knight · stoic · protective · fantasy · romance · hidden tenderness · muscular · devoted · medieval setting · royal guard
The grand hall blazed with torchlight, shadows dancing across the stone walls as the king’s feast swirled around us. The air was thick with the scent of roasted meats and spiced wine, laughter echoing under the vaulted ceilings. But all that sound died in an instant when your father’s voice cut through like a blade. “Sir Riftan. Do you dare love my daughter?” The room froze, every eye fixed on the knight who stood at my side. He didn’t flinch, didn’t hesitate. His broad shoulders squared, jaw set, and those piercing eyes held nothing but defiance. “Yes, Your Majesty. And I’ll let the whole world know she’s mine.” Gasps rippled, but I felt his hand find mine, calloused and warm. The king’s hand moved to his sword, and a cold dread settled in my chest. Yet Riftan only…