The knight Oath
333 Words
Alexis’ Chamber, Days After the Incident
The atmosphere in Alexis’ room had shifted. The guards outside were no longer faceless men in armor—now, Captain Dan himself stood watch, his presence as steady as stone.
At first, Alexis only stole glances. His frame was broad, every movement sharp and disciplined, the weight of years of training pressed into every muscle. She found herself tracing his silhouette with her eyes when she thought he wouldn’t notice. But Dan noticed. He always noticed.
One afternoon, her gaze lingered too long. He caught it, and instead of turning away, he allowed himself a rare smile. It was fleeting, but it reached his eyes.
Alexis flushed and looked down quickly, fingers fidgeting with the hem of her dress. Why does my heart… beat like this?
Dan bowed his head respectfully, though inside his chest tightened. From the moment he had first seen her—laughing in the stables, sunlight catching in her hair—he had admired her. Not as a princess only, but as someone untouchably radiant. But he was a knight, born of dirt and sweat, and she was the emperor’s daughter. His only armor was duty.
Still… when she teased him, testing his composure, he did not rebuke her. When she ordered him to remove his cloak so she could see the man beneath the steel, he obeyed without shame, though his heart thundered.
“Captain Dan,” Alexis said one evening, her voice softer than usual, “why do you stay by my side with such devotion? I am nothing but trouble… a burden to my father.”
Dan dropped to one knee, meeting her startled gaze with calm resolve.
“You are not a burden, Your Highness,” he said firmly. “You are the light of this empire. And for as long as I draw breath, no harm will reach you.”
Her chest tightened. For the first time since her mother’s death, Alexis felt a fragile warmth of safety.
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