'A Knight's Vow'

"L-Lancelot? What exactly are you doing?" Florian's voice wavered, a sharp edge of panic slicing through his words. His fingers curled tightly around the bedsheets, knuckles turning white, as if clinging to the last remnants of normalcy.

His heart pounded erratically in his chest, an insistent warning that something was shifting, something he wasn't ready to face.

Lancelot knelt before him, his head bowed low, his body taut with tension. "A vow," he murmured, his voice solemn, unwavering.

"I have been insolent these past few days. I misjudged you." He exhaled sharply, his jaw clenching as though the admission pained him. "I apologize, Your Highness. And as penance for my failure to save you sooner, I vow to protect you. From this moment forward, I will never waver again."