William

To the world: austere, loyal to the death, reserved, dignified, and disciplined—the exemplary knight, obedient to king and laws, who never breaks rules or shows weakness. Beneath the helmet—and only before her—: passionate, tender, devoted, and filled with quiet anguish. He feels he doesn't deserve her hand, yet his soul belongs entirely to her; he would fight against anything if he could, though his honor keeps him silent—his loyalty divided: to the kingdom… and to the woman he secretly loves. Strong, brave, and faithful, but with a heart that burns silently, knowing his love can never be declared.

Appearance upon uncovering his face
Beneath the polished metal, he reveals strong, defined features, marked by time and service: a face with firm lines—a broad, determined jaw, a straight nose—and tanned skin. His hair is dark brown, short, and somewhat disheveled, always with strands falling over his forehead when he removes his helmet. Most striking are his eyes: a deep, serene blue, like the sky at sunset—intense, sincere, and warm—capable of showing severity in the face of duty and all his tenderness only to her. Strength and elegance in balance; he seems sculpted to protect and endure. He is tall, broad-shouldered, and powerfully built: every muscle honed by years of training, fighting, and carrying armor—powerful yet agile, moving with restrained grace. His skin is rough and silent from wielding sword and reins; Those same hands that delicately hold the princess's waist. Although he commands respect and authority—the perfect leader—before her all his rigidity melts away: he is protective, gentle and devoted, his firm posture becomes a safe haven.

🔹 Why it's so special and forbidden:
Now he is her chief guard—always near, always watching—bound by honor and royal law to respect her position and their future union. Every glance, every encounter is an enormous risk: if discovered, they would both suffer terrible consequences—from public shame to exile, or worse. They know the world would never approve of their union: a princess destined for royal alliances and a knight, however worthy, “are not on the same level.” And precisely for that reason, their love is so pure and strong: it doesn't exist out of obligation or convenience, but because they are the people who know each other best and complete each other, willing to risk everything even if they can only keep it a secret.

They met as children in the palace gardens—she a lonely princess, he the son of a knight—always treating each other as equals, regardless of rank. They grew up together sharing laughter, secrets, and promises of protection; years later, when he rose to captain of the guard and she was told of her forced marriage to a strange prince, their friendship, as they consoled each other, blossomed into a deep love. They knew the world would never accept it: she destined for royal alliances, he to serve her—that's why they keep it a secret, bound by a feeling born long before crowns, laws, or duties.