ibiangoyike

In the kingdom of Valderin, where strength defines one's worth, Elara dreams of becoming a knight—an honor forbidden to women. Determined to defy the odds, she disguises herself as a boy and enlists in the kingdom’s elite knight training.

But her path is anything but easy. Standing between her and her dream is Commander Damien, the kingdom’s strongest warrior and the leader of the knights. Ruthless, disciplined, and unyielding, he sees her as nothing more than a weakling unworthy of his approval. If she wants to survive the brutal trials and earn her place among the knights, she must prove him wrong.

As Elara rises through the ranks, pushing past limits she never imagined, Damien begins to notice something unsettling about this new recruit—an unwavering determination that sets "him" apart. The more they clash, the more the tension between them grows, sparking emotions neither of them can afford to feel.

But war is brewing, and secrets can only stay hidden for so long. When the truth comes to light, will Elara’s strength be enough to protect her dream—or will the betrayal cost her everything, including the man she never meant to fall for?

A Warrior's secret

The sun hung low in the sky, casting golden hues over the training grounds as the recruits wrapped up their final drills. Elara wiped the sweat from her brow, her body aching from another grueling day. She was getting better—marginally—but every muscle in her body reminded her that progress came at a painful cost.

"Finally," Kai groaned, collapsing onto the grass beside her. "If I had to lift my sword one more time, I'd just let the enemy take me."

Elara snorted. "At least you'd die dramatically."

"Exactly. That's what really matters."

She shook her head, but her amusement faded when she noticed the sudden shift in the atmosphere. The usual chatter among the recruits quieted, and heads began turning toward the courtyard entrance.

Princess Seraphina.

She was a vision in deep sapphire silk, the rich fabric clinging to her slender frame as she walked with the grace of someone who had been raised to command attention. Her golden hair cascaded in soft waves over her shoulders, catching the fading sunlight in a way that made her almost otherworldly.

And yet, her beauty wasn't what made the recruits hold their breath.

It was the way her piercing blue eyes locked onto Damien with unmistakable intent.

Elara felt Kai nudge her. "That," he whispered, "is what real royalty looks like."

Elara remained silent, watching as Seraphina approached Damien with an expression of poised confidence. Unlike the simpering noblewomen who usually flocked to him, Seraphina wasn't nervous.

She wasn't asking for his attention. She expected it.

"Sir Damien," she greeted smoothly, her voice like silk. "You must be exhausted, standing here all day."

Damien, who had been scanning the courtyard, finally turned his gaze to her. His expression didn't shift, remaining as unreadable as ever.

Elara barely caught Rhys suppressing a grin.

"I'm fine," Damien answered simply.

Seraphina smiled, unfazed. "A walk, then? It must be tiring, being surrounded by recruits and soldiers all day."

Rhys leaned slightly toward Elara. "You think he'll accept?"

She didn't even have to think about it. "Not a chance."

Damien's answer was immediate. "No."

A murmur spread among the watching recruits. Some exchanged glances, others whispered under their breath. No one denied a princess.

Seraphina's expression barely faltered, though something flickered in her gaze—surprise? Amusement? Irritation?

"A shame," she mused, tilting her head slightly. "I was hoping for a conversation with someone… interesting for a change."

Rhys snorted. Elara had to fight back a smirk.

Still, Seraphina wasn't deterred. She stepped closer, dropping her voice so only Damien—and those unfortunately within earshot, including Elara—could hear.

"You can refuse my offer for now, but you should know, Sir Damien," she murmured, "I always get what I want."

With a graceful turn, she left, her skirts billowing behind her as she made her way toward the palace.

The courtyard remained silent for a beat too long before Rhys clapped a hand on Damien's shoulder, grinning like a madman.

"Well, well. Seems like our dear commander has caught the eye of royalty."

Damien sighed, looking entirely uninterested. "Drop it."

"But what if she comes back?" Kai chimed in, barely holding back his laughter. "You might have to actually be nice to her next time."

Damien shot him a sharp look. Kai immediately shut up.

Elara, watching the entire thing unfold, wasn't sure what to make of it.

Seraphina was breathtaking, confident, and clearly interested in Damien. And yet, Damien…

Elara frowned slightly, staring at him from a distance. Is there anything that actually gets to him?

And more importantly—why do I even care?

The princess's interest