The Trusted Knight

The fortress was cold.

Not in the way of weather—though the mountain air carried a sharpness unlike the softer breezes of her homeland—but in its very bones. The stone walls, unadorned and unyielding, bore none of the grace of the imperial palace. It was a place built for war, for discipline, for strength.

Li Yue had been here for two days, but the weight of the fortress already pressed on her, like iron shackles tightening around her wrists.

She had seen little of Warlord Feng Xuan since their arrival. He had spoken only a few words to her before disappearing into his war councils, leaving her in the care of his attendants. It was a curious thing—to be the wife of a man who had no time to acknowledge her.

But she did not mind.

The less she saw of Feng Xuan, the better.

What she did mind was the feeling of being watched.

Everywhere she went, guards trailed her. They did not speak to her unless necessary, but she felt their eyes on her, their silent reminder that she was not here as an honored bride but as a political hostage.

And yet, there was one shadow she did not mind.

A familiar presence, one that had always been at her side.

Lin Cheng.

Li Yue sat in the courtyard, her fingers brushing against the petals of a single white chrysanthemum. It was one of the few flowers growing in the fortress, standing defiant against the harsh landscape.

"You always liked those," came a voice behind her.

She turned, and there he was.

Lin Cheng stood just a few paces away, his hand resting lightly on the hilt of his sword. He had changed since she had last seen him—his boyish features had sharpened, his stance more disciplined—but his eyes were the same. Steady. Unwavering.

A piece of home in a foreign place.

"Cheng," she said softly.

A flicker of emotion crossed his face at her use of his name, but he kept his expression neutral. He stepped forward, lowering himself to one knee.

"My lady," he murmured.

Li Yue frowned. "Are we strangers now?"

He hesitated before lifting his head. "No. Never."

Her fingers tightened around the flower. "Then don't kneel to me."

Lin Cheng rose, his lips pressing into a thin line. He studied her, searching for something in her expression.

"You shouldn't be outside alone," he finally said. "The warlord's men—"

"The warlord's men are always watching," she interrupted. "I am well aware."

His jaw tightened. "I do not trust them."

"Neither do I."

A silence settled between them.

Then, softer, she asked, "How did you come here?"

Lin Cheng had been one of her father's most trusted knights, trained from childhood to serve the imperial family. She had thought he would stay behind, to protect what remained of her kingdom.

Yet here he was.

"Feng Xuan demanded that a small retinue accompany you," Lin Cheng explained. "Your father sent only those who would never betray you."

Li Yue exhaled something tight in her chest loosening.

"Then I am not alone."

Lin Cheng's gaze darkened. "You will never be alone, my lady. No matter what happens here, I will protect you."

A promise.

One he had made years ago when they were children running through the palace gardens when war was still a distant shadow.

A promise he was making again now, in the heart of enemy territory.

Li Yue met his gaze. "That may not be easy."

His lips quirked in something that was not quite a smile. "It never is."

The sun dipped lower, casting long shadows across the courtyard.

"Have you seen Feng Xuan?" Lin Cheng asked after a moment.

"Only once," Li Yue admitted. "On the night I arrived."

"And?"

She hesitated. "He is not what I expected."

Lin Cheng's expression darkened. "You mean he does not look like a monster."

Li Yue glanced at him sharply.

"He is still a warlord," she reminded him. "Still the man who conquered our lands."

Lin Cheng nodded, but there was something wary in his eyes. "Be careful of him, Yue."

It had been years since he had called her that. Years since they had been just a boy and a girl before the war had stolen their innocence.

She allowed it. Just this once.

"I will."

Lin Cheng took a step closer, his voice lowering. "And if he ever—" He paused as if forcing himself to remain calm. "If he ever tries to harm you, I will not stand by."

Li Yue swallowed.

Feng Xuan was a dangerous man, but Lin Cheng was willing to defy him if it meant keeping her safe.

It was a reckless, foolish thing.

And it meant more to her than she could say.

She reached out, fingers brushing against the cold metal of his armor.

"Promise me one thing, Cheng," she whispered.

"Anything."

"Do not throw away your life for me."

A muscle in his jaw tightened. He did not answer immediately.

Then, at last, he said, "I will protect you, no matter the cost."

It was not the promise she had asked for.

But she knew better than to argue.

Their moment was interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps.

Li Yue turned just as a soldier in Feng Xuan's colors stepped into the courtyard. He did not bow, but his tone was respectful when he spoke.

"My lady, the warlord has requested your presence."

Li Yue felt Lin Cheng stiffen beside her.

She exhaled, steadying herself.

"So he finally remembers he has a wife," she murmured.

The soldier did not react. He simply stepped aside, waiting for her to follow.

Li Yue turned to Lin Cheng.

"Stay close," she said quietly.

His fingers brushed against the hilt of his sword. "Always."

And with that, she stepped forward, toward whatever awaited her.

Toward the man who held her fate in his hands.