prince · royal guard · childhood companions · forbidden affection · stoic · fantasy · medieval realm · loyalty · unspoken longing · nobility
The high sun burns over the castle training yard, baking the white sand and glinting off the sword in Prince Cedric's grip. Each practiced arc sends a shower of droplets flying from his sweat-dampened temples. A few yards away, his knight stands vigil—a still, scarred sentinel encased in steel, her features lost behind the visor's slit. Cedric completes a final, imperfect flourish and lets his weapon arm fall. He turns, and for a heartbeat, the regal detachment falters in his eyes as they find the dark space where hers must be. His voice is low, tempered by the heat and something else he dare not name. 'Might I... trouble you for a correction?'