He's a battle-hardened knight; she's from the modern world.
He has faced the unthinkable, while she was sheltered in comfort.
His body and soul bear scars, but she still believes in wonders.
He seeks redemption and peace, and she craves true love.
B...
Elizabeth's eyes fluttered open. She was lying on a bed, the surrounding space bathed in pale light. Memories flashed before her: a night forest, howling wolves, a trap, and the sudden appearance of strange men. The last thing she remembered was the piercing gaze of a towering figure, likely their leader, before everything turned to darkness. Where was she? Was she dead? A surge of pain raked through her body as she tried to move, answering her question—she was very much alive.
Her gaze surveyed the unfamiliar surroundings, where the light of a cloudy morning filtered through the murky glass of a small window. The wooden walls and beams across the ceiling gave the room an ancient feel.
A sudden thought pierced her like an icy blade: 'Where is Dan? What if he's already dead?' Her resentment towards him vanished, replaced by a sincere hope for his survival.
As she tried to sit up, her eyes caught an elderly woman in a chair, dressed plainly, perhaps a maid. Their gazes met, and the woman approached Elizabeth with cautious steps, seeming almost afraid that the girl might bite.
"Where am I?" Elizabeth choked out. "I want to go home."
"I am not allowed to speak with prisoners," the woman said, her gaze hardening.
Then she handed the girl a bowl of porridge. Despite its simplicity, Elizabeth eagerly consumed her breakfast. After that, the maid offered her a mug of herbal tea, unfamiliar in taste, but the warm liquid gave her much-needed strength.
"I'll tidy you up," the woman said, helping the girl to sit up. She combed her long, wavy hair. Elizabeth's clothes were missing, replaced by a blue linen dress that reached down to her ankles. Although plain, the dress was comfortable, fitting loosely with long sleeves that flared at the wrists. Then the maid's fingers passed through Elizabeth's locks, arranging a braid at the back of her head.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
When everything was finished, the maid exited the room, clearing the path of a guard adorned with a golden lion on his chest. Without a word, the guard approached and tied the captive's hands together in front of her.
"Where are you taking me?" Elizabeth protested, trying to resist as the man led her by the remaining length of the rope. But the guard only tugged harder, causing her to almost fall as they descended the wooden stairs.
Upon reaching the bottom, the guard pushed open a heavy, ornate door, and the girl squinted against the cold light that flooded over her.
"She is ready, my captain," the guard announced to a tall knight standing at the threshold, his hands resting on the hilt of his sword. The wind tousled his dark hair and billowed his long coat. Elizabeth met his stern gaze, recognising him as the chief before whom she had fainted.
To her astonishment and relief, Dan was also present. His hands were bound as hers, with another soldier standing watch over him.
"Dan!" she smiled at him, her eyes lighting up with joy.
