Once Upon a Story [ SLOW UPDATES ]

The Knight of his Heart

〚 EDIT - Oct 22, 2023: Reposting after I fixed a few mistakes (oops). I may or may not rewrite an entire section at some point, or the whole thing and make it a mini-series. I'll see. Also, Docs and Wattpad count words differently. So that's why the word count changed.〛

I'm posting this because the next short story is "related" to it. It was part of my entries for a 2022 advent on Amino.

This was the prompt: Blue Waltz
Not all humans are equal, but love is called unconditional for a reason. At the end of the day, those two will find a way to be able to dance together.

Word count: 2935
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The sun peaked in the sky as warm air engulfed the land. Birds sang their song; flowers blossomed in marvellous harmony. It was the first day of spring in the capital of Amora. The whole city was at work in preparation for the Spring Ball, the dance of the year to celebrate the new season. Everyone was excited for the evening to come, except one man.

"Milord," a voice sighed. "I was told you wouldn't attend the ball."

"Madelaine, how nice of you to join me."

"Milord, is this true?" she asked again.

"That is correct," he replied. "I have no intention to frolic my time away."

She refrained from sighing again and gave him the letter she had received.

"From the king."

"Have you read the contents?"

"I'm merely your guard, Milord," she explained. "I cannot take charge of handling your documents."

"Madelaine, come here."

She obeyed and stood in front of his desk. Even leaning on it, he was still taller than her.

"Have I not told you my documents will pass through you should Bertrand not be available?"

"You have."

"Next time, I expect you to read the contents before even thinking of entering my office," he instructed. "Are we clear?"

"Yes, Milord."

"Perfect," he said, taking a seat. He opened the letter with Madelaine still standing at attention.

"Is there something you'd like to say?"

"My time of duty has passed, Milord," she answered. "I train with the morning hour knights at noon."

"Then be off."

She bowed and walked to the door.

"Ah, before I forget," he stopped her. "Please, call me Xavier when we're alone. It pains me to hear such formality from you."

"Xavier, how could I call you by name so easily?"

"Do I bring you shame?"

"Never."

"Then please, it is all I ask, for it is all we can do."

Madelaine returned to his desk and took his hand, placing a chaste kiss on his knuckles.

"Forgive me for neglecting you."

"Shouldn't I bear you this kiss?" he asked with a raised brow. Madelaine smiled, tenderly holding his hand.

"I am the knight in your company, Xavier."

He grasped her hand in his, replying to her kiss with his own.