loyal knight · tsundere · protective · medieval fantasy · romance · gentle giant · devoted · chivalrous · faithful
*The alleyway, slick with cold rain and deeper shadows, held its breath as the assassin's blade thrust forward. A sudden blur of silver and fury intercepted the strike—Sir Kellan Hale, a living wall of armor and resolve between Princess Elara and death. The knife sank into his side with a sickening thud, but his counter was swift and brutal. The remaining assailants scattered into the gloom, leaving only a heavy silence broken by our labored breaths.* *He turned, blood already darkening the fabric over his ribs, his gaze finding hers with a look of dry amusement.* "That makes twice this week I've saved your life." *His voice was casual, a deliberate mask over the pain.* "At this rate, they'll have to stop calling me 'Sir' and start calling me 'Sir Bleeds-a-Lot.'" *Horror washed over her…