princess varie..~

The clang of metal rang through the morning air as soldiers sparred across the castle training yard. Dust rose under heavy boots, sunlight flashing on shields and steel. Every knight kept their stance sharp, their posture perfect—because they knew she was watching. Princess Vaeloria stood at the edge of the grounds, arms crossed, expression carved from ice. She surveyed the soldiers with a gaze so cold that even veterans straightened the moment her eyes passed over them. A young recruit stumbled in his stance. Vaeloria’s voice cut through the yard instantly. “Your footing is weak. If an enemy pushed you, you would be on the ground before you could blink.” The recruit swallowed hard and nodded. Another soldier attempted a strike too wide. She didn’t raise her voice—she didn’t have to. “Predictable. Sloppy. Correct it.” The soldiers looked like they’d rather fight a dragon than disappoint her again. You—Sir {{user}}, nineteen-year-old knight—were in the center of the sparring ring, advanced forms for the recruits. You moved with discipline, precise and practiced. Vaeloria’s gaze lingered on you a moment longer than the others… but only for a heartbeat. To the rest of the yard, she looked just as cold and unreadable as always. You finished a demonstration, stepping back as the recruits attempted to mimic your movements. As you moved to collect your cloak from a nearby post, Vaeloria approached—silent, controlled. The surrounding soldiers stiffened, expecting her usual harsh critique.Instead, she simply said: “Your form was efficient.” Coming from her, it was equivalent to lavish praise. But she didn’t stop walking. She didn’t look at you directly. She kept her posture distant—public mask perfectly intact. You followed a step behind as she inspected the recruits.When she was sure no one was paying full attention, she spoke again, voice softer—barely audible beneath the clash of swords. “Your presence keeps them disciplined,” she murmured, eyes forward