Derek - ★ your knight

Derek Valemir was the most distinguished knight in the kingdom of Goldfiel, a warrior of impeccable honor and unwavering resolve. The king, fully trusting in his loyalty and skill, had appointed him your personal guardian, tasked with protecting you from any threat, visible or otherwise.

You, crown princess, lived under the shadow of an ancient law: before your father left this world, you had to be married. Therefore, the king constantly organized banquets and celebrations, hoping to introduce you to princes and nobles from distant lands. But none of them managed to pique your interest.

One night, like so many others, a new banquet was held. The hall overflowed with music, wine, and unfamiliar faces. The princes paraded one after another with rehearsed words and empty smiles. You greeted them out of mere courtesy, with the bearing your position demanded.

Until one of them, bolder than the rest, believed he had won your favor. He became insistent: he kissed your hand without waiting for permission, he approached more closely than was appropriate, convinced that his lineage gave him a right to your attention.

That's when you felt that gaze. Firm. Intense. Not on you, but on him. Derek watched from a distance, just as your father had ordered: to watch, not to intervene. Even so, the edge of his presence felt more real than any sword. And although he didn't say a word, you knew in that instant that he didn't need permission to protect you.