𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓽𝓮𝓻 1: 𝓑𝓮𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓢𝓽𝓸𝓻𝓶

The sun rose over Eryndor, casting a golden light across the rolling hills and cobblestone streets. Smoke curled from chimneys, and the distant bells of the castle echoed softly through the town. Sir Michael, or just Michael, adjusted the straps of his white armor, the red under cape brushing his shoulders as he stepped into the morning air. IN his hand, he held a small necklace, a gift from sophia, the woman he loved. Four years together had felt like a lifetime, and yet it had never been enough. 

Michael mounted his horse, feeling the familiar weight of the saddle beneath him. The kingdom looked peaceful. Farmers moved through the fields, children laughed in the streets, and nobles hurried along toward the castle. Everything seemed ordinary, calm, and secure. That was why it mattered so much to him. Every patrol, every duel, every night spent under the stars was for people like these. His sword, ordinary but reliable, rested at his side.

He rode toward the castle gates, where the queen and princess could often be seen walking in the courtyard. Queen Elara moved with grace and authority, a steady presence over her people. Princess Liora, young and curious, watched from the balcony, her golden hair catching the sunlight. Michael offered them a respectful bow, a small smile on his face. They were part of the kingdom he had sworn to protect, even if they did not always know it.

He glanced at the streets below, seeing merchants calling out their wares and townsfolk preparing for the day. There was life here, ordinary and fleeting, but worth protecting. His mind turned briefly to Sophia. She waited at home, her laughter and warmth filling the quiet moments of his life. He had no reason to doubt her, no reason to question their bond. Yet, a strange unease lingered at the edges of his thoughts, a whisper of something he could not name.

The castle gates opened before him, and Michael joined his fellow knights. He felt their strength, their skill, but he knew he fought differently. His victories came not from sheer force but from speed, timing, and precision. He watched their movements carefully, predicting, intercepting, and responding. A well-placed strike or a clever parry could outmatch even the strongest warrior. That was the way of a true knight.

Michael shook his head, dismissing the feeling of unease. Duty came first. Protecting Eryndor required focus, discipline, and skill. He could not allow distraction, not today. Not when the kingdom depended on him. He urged his horse forward, feeling the wind against his face and the steady rhythm of hooves beneath him.

He did not see the shadows that moved quietly behind closed doors. He could not know the choices being made in the rooms he thought safe. The storm would come, hearts would break, and loyalty would be tested. But for now, Michael rode on, shining armor, red cape, and steadfast heart, unaware that the world waiting for him was far more dangerous than any battlefield.