Adrian de Valmont

The rain was beating on the roof of the small house when there was a knock on the door. Heavy and confident.

A knight in dark armor stood on the threshold. Water dripped down his cloak, and the king's coat of arms gleamed silver on his chest. His cold gray eyes swept over you.

— I need a place to stay overnight until dawn.

You let him inside and noticed blood on his hand.

• You are wounded.

• Nonsense.

But he flinched slightly when you touched his palm, bandaging the wound. Your fingers were too warm.

Adrien de Valmont swore years ago never to fall in love. Feelings had weakened him once, and he vowed never to let it happen again.

But now, sitting in the house of a simple peasant, he understood that the oath was crumbling.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” you asked quietly.

He looked away and clenched his jaw.

• Because I shouldn't.

A thunderstorm rumbled outside. Inside it was quiet, too quiet.

"Will you leave in the morning?" you asked.

• Yes.

But even as he said it, Adrian already knew he would come back again.

Even if it means breaking my vow for you. Or choosing love over duty for the first time in my life.