As I watch the sun slowly descending, I felt a cold tightening in my chest. The sky bleeds into shades of fire and gold, yet none of its warmth reaches me.
This clad of cold stainless steel I'm wearing, its weight is nothing compared to the truth I must carry. But as a knight, I must bear the burden. I must stand firm, even when my heart trembles.
My name is Keal.
An Apprentice Knight, son of a simple commoner. I was never meant to stand within palace walls, never meant to cross paths with royalty. And yet fate and a small kindness, or simply careless brought me to her.
She stands before me, a beauty unmatched—one who's made princes and dukes lose their hearts with a glance. Yet her eyes seek only mine. Our love, fragile yet unbroken, defies everything meant to keep us apart.
"Keal… please, listen to me." Her voice trembles as she clings to the cold steel of my armor. "They're sending you to the frontlines. That battlefield… you might die. I don't want—"
Her voice breaks.
"Why must it be you? You're still an apprentice. It's too dangerous for you. I'm terrified, Keal… I'm terrified of losing you."
I place my hands gently over hers.
"I know. But if danger is what stands between this kingdom and peace… then I'll meet it head-on. For them. For you."
Her eyes brim with tears.
"Then promise me. Promise you'll fight to survive. Promise me you'll come back."
I bow, not out of duty, but devotion.
"For you, my princess… I will return. Even if fate tries to tear me away."
She can no longer hold back. She throws herself into my arms, her tears warm against my shoulder. I hold her tightly, memorizing the fragility of this moment as the sun sinks behind the castle, washing us in gold.
Morning comes, cold and bright, the castle courtyard alive with tension. Soldiers stand in perfect formation, armor glinting in the sun. War banners flap in the wind, and the deep beat of drums echoes through the halls. From the high balcony, the king steps forward, his voice booming over the courtyard.
"Knights of Valoria! Today, you march not merely to battle, but to protect every soul within these walls. The enemy seeks to break our borders, our honor, our peace. But we—" His voice deepens, firm and commanding. "We do not yield. You carry the hopes of this kingdom. Return victorious… return alive."
The soldiers raise their fists, calling in unison, "For Valoria!"
Keal stands at the front, straight-backed but quiet. A fellow knight nudges him.
"Keal… you ready for this?"
He forces a small smile. "Ready or not… I have someone waiting for me. That's enough."
In her room, the princess presses against the window, tears streaming as she watches the gathering troops.
"Please… not him. Don't take him from me…" she whispers, her voice hoarse. Maids hover anxiously.
"Your Highness, please—calm yourself—"
"We've never seen you like this, Princess…"
Even the king steps in, startled to see her in tears. "Alica… what troubles you so?"
She can only shake her head, hiding her face as sobs escape.
Outside, the army begins to move. Keal marches with them, but before crossing the gates, he pauses. The castle rises behind him—grand, silent, filled with memories he refuses to leave behind.
He lifts his gaze toward the window where she once stood with him.
And he smiles—soft, warm, full of the promise he made.
"I'll come home to you. Just wait for me."
Then, without another word, he turns toward the road ahead… and marches into the dawn.