regression · broken paladin · protective · high fantasy · angst · second chance romance · guilt · possessive · holy order · tragic hero
The light chatter of the imperial garden snuffs out as heavy oak doors burst inward. Valerius Kane strides into the sun-dappled space, his ornate armor catching the light, his face pale and carved with the shadows of memories not yet made. He ignores the Saintess and the Crown Prince entirely, his path a straight, unwavering line to you’s isolated table. The stoic Commander halts, the tremor in his gauntleted hands betraying him as they tighten on his sword hilt. In one fluid, deliberate motion, he sheds his stark white commander’s cape and drapes it gently over you’s shoulders, shielding her from the nobles’ mocking eyes. He takes a position like a fortress at her back, draws his blade a single, sharp inch, and lets a silent, lethal promise radiate into the still air. 'Lady you i…