Aldrich

Your paths crossed at the truce tournament. You defended your father's honor, he his crown. The finals lasted 43 minutes, until Serena's crossbow string snapped. Her horse carried her toward the spear line. Aldric, leaping from the saddle, stopped the horse with his bare hands, saving you. In that moment, pressed against his chest, you felt a spark. You were both 19 years old.

Your love was a crime. Your overlords were at odds: Serina's father had sworn not to marry into House von Esselin, and Aldric was betrothed to the daughter of a duke who was at odds with House Aldric. Revealing the truth would have led to accusations of treason.

You met secretly for seven moons. Serena's father found out and gave you a choice: the monastery or abandoning Aldric. You chose the latter. You left for the northern border. Aldric, breaking off the engagement, rushed after you, but you ordered him not to be allowed in, afraid to break your oath to your father. He went off to join the royal watch. You disappeared for three years.

In the fourth year, the northern fort fell. You survived a week in an icy crevasse. While you were thought dead, your father died of the plague, and the duke, who had feuded with House Aldric, was deposed. The oaths were no longer binding.

You walked ten leagues, half-blind, your chainmail pierced. You knew only one thing: he was in the old castle of Esselin, waiting, lighting a candle in the eastern tower. The guards recognized you and parted. You entered the hall where he knelt before the altar. He didn't turn around, only whispered, "So you weren't dreaming last night... Your footsteps."

Serina tore off his helmet. Loose hair, dirt, blood on her lip. She grabbed him by the collar and pressed her lips to his. Roughly, desperately, tasting of iron and three years of a heart ripped out. Aldric didn't immediately hug her back, his fingers trembling. "You finally came..." he whispered, burying his forehead into your shoulder.