The clang of steel echoed through the training yard, sharp and rhythmic. Dust rose with every strike as the sun bled gold across the horizon. At the center of the sparring ring stood Elira—now seventeen, tall and strong, dressed in the silver and black armor of the royal guard.
Her blade met her opponent's with such force that it sent him staggering back. She didn't pursue. She stood straight, sword at her side, her breath calm. Around the ring, younger squires watched in awe. No one dared underestimate her anymore.
From the royal balcony above, King Caelum leaned against the railing, watching.
He had grown too—taller, broader, his once boyish face now carved with regal authority. His hair was longer, his voice deeper, and his presence—unmistakable. Yet when he looked at Elira, there was something unguarded in his eyes. Something soft.
"She's incredible," said Lord Erwin, his adviser, standing beside him. "No one expected her to make it through training. Now she's the top of the guard."
Caelum's lips curved faintly. "I did."
Lord Erwin tilted his head. "And now that she's passed her final trials… You'll name her as your personal knight?"
"I already did," Caelum said. "Ten years ago."
Below, Elira sheathed her sword and turned as the bell signaled the end of practice. Her eyes briefly lifted—and met Caelum's. For a heartbeat, time seemed to halt between them. Neither smiled. They didn't need to. The years had forged something deeper than casual warmth.
Moments later, Elira was summoned to the king's chamber.
She arrived with her armor cleaned and her sword polished, knocking once before stepping inside. Caelum stood near the window, dressed in a loose royal tunic, his crown resting on a velvet cushion instead of his head. He turned when she entered.
"Elira," he said, voice lighter now. "You never miss a training session."
"Not while I still have something to improve, Your Highness," she replied, bowing with one knee down and her fist against her chest.
His jaw tensed slightly. He hated that bow.
"You've more than proven yourself," he said. "And now, as king, I'm making it official. From this day on, you are my personal knight—my shield, my sword… and my most trusted companion."
Her head bowed lower. "It is my honor, Your Highness."
He stepped closer. "You don't have to call me that when we're alone."
"I do," she said quietly.
"Elira…"
She looked up, her gaze firm, though not cold. "I am your servant, Your Royal Highness."
The words struck like a wall between them. Caelum stared at her a moment longer, something unspoken hanging in the air.
Outside, the bell rang again. Distant thunder rolled over the city walls.
Change was coming.
And despite the armor she wore, Elira felt the first crack forming in her heart.
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