The Knight's Vow

her family's manor. The late afternoon sun bathed the land in a golden hue, its light reflecting off the rippling stream tha

e her father had called for her presence in the grand hall that morning. Lord Ashfor

hat dream was quickly slipping away, stolen by the looming specter of duty. She had always known her father wo

d with a soft step, holding a pale blue gown that shimmered like the morning mist. It was

itant, "your father requests your presenc

t known for its kindness. The lord of Blackmoor, Gareth, was a man of mystery and fear. His title was earned through bloodshed, his reputation buil

. Her hands, which had been nervously twisting in her lap, cam

ned to leave, but then hesitated. She looked back

rough with this, Lady Eve

aid had always been a voice of comfort, a reminder of the simpler things in life. Yet, even Gwen could not shield her from t

han to Gwen. "The Ashford name cannot afford t

betrayed her worry. "I shal

who barely recognized herself. She had always been proud of her independence, of her quiet strength. Yet, in this

warrior who could command respect without uttering a word. His arrival was supposed to secure an

much as he was. Eveline had heard stories about him - tales of his coldness, his unyielding resolve in battle. They said his heart

She would fulfill her duty, as a daughter, as a noblewoman. She w

-

Her father stood at the foot of the stairs, his tall, imposing figure framed by the flickering light

th a nod, his voice as stead

gh it did little to mask the un

er," she replied

or his greed and ambition, was conspicuously absent, but standing with him was Sir G

torchlight. His face was sharp, every line drawn with the precision of a master craftsman. His dark hair fell in loose waves to his collar

n his gaze met hers, she felt the weight of it like a burden. There was something a

her, his voice deep and m

r warmth, but she nodded nonetheless, trying t

e replied, her voice steady despite

them. "You are both now bound by an alliance forged for the good of our lands. Sir Gareth ha

ly at her side, tightened into a fist. She could not bring herself to speak, a

"I understand the gravity of this arrangement," he said, his voi

ling that this marriage was little more than a matter of politics for him

nderstand the importance of this union. Our enemies will not wait.

sed together tightly. She did

of pride and expectation. "This marriage will secure the future of

dering if she was strong enough to f