One Month Later
Joshua wiped the sweat from his brow, his chest rising and falling with the rhythm of his breath. Training had ended for the day, and as he stepped into the garden behind the noble house, the air was thick with the scent of blooming roses and fresh-cut grass. Blanchette waited for him at their usual spot, a marble table shaded by hanging vines.
She glanced up, her eyes tracing the shape of him. "Your body's changed," she said, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "You used to be all bones. Now you're... really muscular."
Joshua grinned, pulling off his hoodie without hesitation and flexing. "Yeah, you're right. I feel stronger too."
Her eyes widened for a moment before her cheeks flushed pink. Embarrassed, she looked away. Realizing this, Joshua blushed as well and quickly pulled the hoodie back on.
"Anyway," he muttered, clearing his throat, "it's my knighting ceremony this evening."
Blanchette nodded, still smiling. "I can't wait."
In the heart of the bustling market district, Merlin wandered through the shops, her silver hair catching the sunlight. She paused at a window display, admiring a bracelet, a purple gem set in a platinum chain. Her fingers itched to touch it, but she resisted, simply admiring the elegance.
Behind her, two young human men noticed her.
"Hey," one of them said, elbowing his friend. "Look at that hot witch."
The other smirked. "Bet she's never been with a human before."
As they moved toward her, they suddenly slammed into something solid. No, not something. Someone.
Lancelot stood tall, his arms crossed, eyes sharp as ice. "Leave."
The two men backed away, tripping over themselves.
"We didn't want her anyway," one muttered.
"Yeah, forget it," the other added, scrambling after his friend.
Merlin had seen the whole thing. With a bright grin, she threw her arms around Lancelot. "My hero!"
He stood still, expression unreadable. But as they walked out of the shop together, he suddenly paused.
"I forgot something," he said. "I'll be right back."
Inside, he approached the saleswoman. "There was a girl in here earlier. What was she looking at?"
The woman pointed. "That bracelet. Purple gem, platinum chain."
He studied it, then nodded. "It suits her. I'll take it."
When he returned to Merlin, she was waiting with an annoyed scowl.
"What took you so long?" she asked. "Were you flirting with the saleswoman?"
Lancelot shook his head and pulled out the bracelet. "No. I bought you something."
Her eyes lit up. "Aww, you do like me!" She held out her wrist.
He fastened the bracelet gently around it.
"Thank you, Lancelot. I love you," she whispered, taking his arm as they walked. Lancelot offered her a rare smile.
"Why don't you ever say it back?" she asked softly.
He remained silent, thoughts churning behind his eyes.
(I wish I could... but my family will never accept her. She's a peasant... a witch. I should stop this. But... I think I'm starting to really like her.)
Merlin, sensing his silence, looked down at her wrist. "Whatever this is... it's enough for now."
Back at the noble estate, Joshua and Blanchette returned from the garden, laughter in their voices.
"I see Lancelot and Merlin are spending a lot of time together," Blanchette noted.
Joshua nodded. "Yeah. I think he likes her… though he'll never admit it. Merlin's head over heels for him."
"Well, since everyone's catching feelings," she said, a playful gleam in her eye, "we should all go on a double date. Tomorrow, in the human district. I know a few nice places."
Joshua blinked. "Double date, huh? I like the sound of that. But… it'd be our first date."
Blanchette blushed. "Exactly why we should go with others. Less awkward."
Just then, Lancelot and Merlin entered the room.
"What are you two blushing about?" Merlin asked, grinning.
"We're planning a double date tomorrow," Blanchette replied.
Merlin squealed. "That sounds great! I can't wait!"
Lancelot shrugged. "Sure, whatever. But first, we need to head to the training grounds. The knighting ceremony's soon."
The sun dipped low as the guests gathered around the training arena. Queen Eleanor stood near the front, beside Amy, Grandma, Jonathan, and the others. In the center stood King William and Captain Percival, solemn and proud.
Joshua approached, his steps steady.
Captain Percival placed a hand on Joshua's shoulder. "You've come far. You've grown strong, like a son to me. I'm proud."
He unveiled a sword: the twin to Lancelot's. This one bore a red gem in its hilt and a blade of deep black.
"This is demon steel," Percival explained. "The opposite of Lancelot's holy steel. These swords were made for me and my brother… but he was slain by werewolves. I give this sword to you, Joshua, not just for his memory, but because I believe in you. You and Lancelot… your bond will be deeper than brothers."
Joshua looked to Lancelot. They exchanged a quiet smile.
Grandma wiped her eyes. (My grandson… all grown up.)
"Joshua," King William commanded. "Kneel."
Joshua bowed.
"From this day forward, you are a knight of the Kaizer noble house."
Percival tapped each shoulder with the blade, then handed it to Joshua.
As the ceremony concluded and the crowd dispersed, Percival pulled Lancelot aside.
"We've found you a bride. Your cousin, Athena. The wedding is next month."
"But, Father..." Lancelot began.
"Enough of your blabbering! It's final."
"…Yes, Father."
Later that night, the four walked through the halls together. Joshua held his new sword with pride.
Blanchette noticed Merlin's bracelet. "That's beautiful."
Merlin beamed. "My future husband bought it!"
Joshua blinked. "Wait, you're getting married?"
"No, we're not," Lancelot grumbled. "I just bought it."
He stormed off toward his room.
"Bye, guys. See ya tomorrow," Joshua said, trailing after him.
Merlin sighed. "He might be a stick in the mud sometimes, but I think he likes me."
Blanchette placed a hand on her shoulder. "He does. But he's scared. His family looks down on peasants… and you're not just that. You're different. They think it'll weaken his bloodline. He's been beaten into submission since he was a boy. He doesn't know how to fight back."
Merlin gazed at her bracelet. "I just hope one day, he'll stand up and be the man I know he is."
"Hey!" Joshua called out as he caught up to Lancelot. "You sly dog, buying my sister a bracelet."
Lancelot gave a weak smile. "Yeah…"
"Well, anyway, see ya. Time for night training!" Joshua dashed off, grinning. "Gotta test out the new blade!"
"You train too much," Lancelot muttered.
The moon lit the training grounds as Joshua swung his sword, the black metal gleaming. He paused as footsteps approached. It was Amy.
"Congratulations on your knighting," she said softly.
"Thanks," he replied, panting. "I feel super pumped. Kinda crazy, thinking how far we've come... from enemies to friends."
"Joshua, I… I made... "
He cut her off. "Oh, right! I won't be here tomorrow night. Going on a double date with Blanchette, Lancelot, and Merlin."
Amy flinched.
Then, without warning, tears welled in her eyes. She turned, hiding her face, and ran.
"Amy?" Joshua called out. He noticed her hands, bruised, cut. "What the hell…?"
He stood there, stunned. (Why was she crying? And her hands…? I'll ask her later. Big day tomorrow.)
He returned inside.
Later, Amy sat alone in the dimly lit lounge, hunched over a table. Her fingers toyed with a silver bracelet, tears streaking her cheeks.
"To think… I'm crying for another reason now," she whispered. "I think… I love Joshua."
Her voice faded as sleep took her.
Jonathan entered quietly, draping a blanket over her shoulders. His eyes fell on her bruised hands… and the bracelet. His jaw clenched.