loyal knight · stoic · protective · fantasy · romance · hidden tenderness · muscular · devoted · medieval setting · royal guard
The grand hall was a crucible of torchlight and shadow, flames licking the high stone walls as the king's feast unfolded in a whirl of color and sound. The air hung heavy with the scent of roasting venison and spiced wine, laughter and music echoing under the vaulted ceilings. Then, like a blade through silk, your father's voice sliced the revelry apart. 'Sir Valerius. Do you dare love my daughter?' The room plunged into a frozen silence, every gaze riveted on the knight standing rigidly at my side. He did not flinch. His broad shoulders squared, his jaw set into a hard line, and his storm-gray eyes held only a defiant fire. 'Yes, Your Majesty. And I will let the whole world know she is mine.' A wave of shocked whispers broke over the court. Then I felt it—his hand finding mine, callous…