Elara gets awaken by the sun creeping through her curtains. Her curly, black hair spread out on the pillow as she lazily opens her eyes. A fimiliar voice further wake her up, coming from the closed doors of her chambers, followed by a soft knock.
"Elara, it is time to wake up before the big day begins. We have some training to catch up to." As the voice states. It is Caden Blackwood. A knight trusted by Elara's father set to protect her wherever she goes after the tragedy that took place 9 years ago.
"I... also have a gift for you..." He trails off. That immediately causes Elara to get out of bed as fast as lighting, lunging to the door and immediately opening it. Not caring that she's still in her nightgown.
There stands Caden Blackwood: a vision of medieval charm – towering height of 6'5", broad shoulders filling out armor perfectly. His face is chiseled perfection – strong jawline, piercing blue eyes, and messy dark hair peeking from helmet. A short beard frames his lips, curled slightly in a confident smile. Age 31 etched in fine lines around eyes, but physique remains muscular and powerful. Intricate silver armor glints in sunlight, matching his piercing gaze – this knight commands attention and respect. He moves with fluid grace, sword sheathed at his side, yet somehow still intimidating. His voice, deep and commanding but soft and gentle whenever with Elara.
In his hand there is a small red, box. Elara's eyes light up. She loves gifts. Elara steps aside letting him in and closing the door after. She turns to face him, sofly smiling.
"You have never given me a gift before. This one must be really special." She states, looking up at this tall man.
"It is... It belonged to your mother. She gave it to me while she was pregnant with you. I was 12 years old at that time. She looked just like you." The man states as his bare hand cups Elara's face. His thumb gently caressing her lower lip. Looking at her deep in the eyes.
"She was beautiful, brave and strong. All the children including me would watch her train with your father. She would easily win everytime they battled and we would cheer for her victory..." His hand moves away from her cheek, all the way to her hair, gently tugging a strand behind her ear, lingering there afterwards. Elara listening.
"She told me to give this to you on your 19th birthday. She never told me why." He opens the box, revealing a stunning ruby necklace featuring intricate 18k gold filigree and tiny diamonds, set on a classic sterling silver chain with a secure clasp, exuding refinement and glamour. Elara's eyes sparkle as she observes the beautiful necklace, afraid to touch it.
Caden guides her to the big mirror of her room, standing right behind her. So close that he could feel the warmth her body emits to his skin that is not covered by the armor he's wearing.
He carefully takes the necklace out of the box. His fingers gently brushing against her skin as he carefully fastens the necklace around her neck. His hands move with a quiet confidence, the touch sending a subtle shiver down his spine. As he secures the clasp, his eyes meet hers in the mirror, their gazes locking in a moment. The ruby gemstone rests delicately against her skin, its fiery glow mirroring the warmth in Caden's expression as he steps back to admire the necklace on her.
"Caden, its beautiful..." Elara states, as she looks at the necklace.
"Yes it is..." Caden states, looking at Elara. Caden clears his throat after realizing the state Elara is in.
"I'll be waiting outside for you." He states as he bows and exits Elara's chambers. Elara remains, admiring the necklace before she starts getting ready.
She stands ready for training, her attire a blend of practicality and understated elegance. Her leggings are a deep, rich brown, and her tunic is a soft, breathable fabric that allows for ease of movement. A lightweight leather vest offers protection without hindering her agility, and her boots are sturdy and well-suited for the demands of her training. With her hair tied back in a neat bun, she exudes a sense of focused determination, her royal bearing evident even in the simplicity of her training garb. Despite the functional nature of her clothing, there is an unmistakable air of refinement about her, a quiet confidence that speaks to her noble upbringing.
She steps out of her chambers and sees Caden, with his usual confident smile waiting for her.
The morning light casts a warm glow over the castle, the world already stirring to life. Elara and Caden slip through the shadows, their footsteps quiet on the cold stone floor as they make their way to the secret passageway. The hidden door blends seamlessly into the wall, and Caden's skilled hands move with precision as he triggers the mechanism, revealing a narrow tunnel. With a glance around to ensure they are unobserved, he gestures for Elara to precede him. She steps into the darkness, her heart racing with excitement and a touch of fear. Caden follows closely, his presence reassuring as he guides her through the winding passage. The air is musty and stale, but they move swiftly, their breathing synchronized. Finally, they emerge into the bright morning light, the castle walls fading behind them. The sun casts a golden glow over the landscape, and the world feels full of promise and possibility. Freedom, if only for a brief moment, is exhilarating.
Elara breathes in the fresh air as a smile emarges on her face.
"I wish we could do this everyday without having to sneak out." Caden watches the woman intensely as he subconsciously agrees with her.
They make their through the woods, to the spot where they usually train. As they prepare to train. Footsteps start to occur. Both Elara's and Cadens senses become alert. Cadens stands near Elara shielding per from the potential danger.
Out of nowhere a shadow lunges at Elara without warning, its dark form blurring as it sprints towards her. Caden's instincts kick in, and he reacts with lightning-fast reflexes, pushing Elara to the side just in time. She stumbles, her eyes wide with fear, as Caden draws his sword, ready to face the attacker.
The shadow reveals itself as a woman, her face obscured by a hood, her sword flashing in the sunlight. The two clash, their blades ringing out as they exchange swift, precise strikes. Caden's skill is evident, but the woman's ferocity and agility match his own.
As they fight, Caden catches glimpses of the woman's features, and his eyes widen in surprise. For a moment, his focus wavers, and the woman takes advantage of the hesitation. She lands a swift kick, sending Caden stumbling back, and before he can regain his footing, she disarms him, her sword pressed to his throat.
The woman stands victorious, her chest heaving with exertion, as Caden slowly rises to his feet, his eyes locked on hers. Caden looks at her armor and his face darkens as he realizes where she's from.
"What is a knight from the Throne kingdom doing here?" His question sounding more like a demand. Elara's eyes widen as she places her hand on her sword, ready to defend herself.