The Dark Knight's Heart

Chapter 11

Author's POV

“Arthur…come sit by me”. The king called out with a smile on his face.

Nodding his head, Arthur walked slowly to the wooden chair by the left corner. Everyone looked at the king, surprised by his words.

Even the guards, maids and butler's were astonished. “Shall we begin?”. King Xandros asked, picking up a loaf of bread.

The breakfast went on casually, with the king and queen making small talks. Elara couldn't help it as she found herself taking peeks at Arthur, who had barely touched his food.

Looking up from his plate, he caught her staring at him as her face turned beet red.

Samuel on the other hand, had his full of fine bread and wine. Grinning from ear to ear, he say comfortably as he got mean stares from the guards.

Just then, two men clad in brown robes walked in. Their robes, reaching their feet, slid over the wet morning grass.

The men were non other than Marlowe and a slightly older figure with white hair hanging from his ears. He had a soft smile on his face with his hands tucked away in the sleeves of his robe.

“Your majesties”. They greeted, bowing their heads. “Marlowe, Cylas…”. The king replied. “My lord, the Holy knights are back”. Marlowe said shortly, squinting his eyes at Arthur and Samuel.

“Is that so?...I thought it'd take them a few more moons to get here”. King Xandros said, standing up.

“Holy knights?...been a while since I've heard of those lots”. Samuel whispered to himself.

Memories of knights with a golden Lotus on their chest and shields, running down women and children. Their swords swaying as spears fly over head.

His hands curled up tightly as his breathing turned erratic.

“Yes, they're very discreet”. Aria said with a blush on her face. “Oh…ye…yeah”. Samuel forced a smile.

“Shall we go welcome them then?”. King Xandros asked with a smile on his face as he took his queen's hand, helping her stand as they walked out of the garden.

_ _ _ _
Eldrida- Capital of Thelline.

Eldrida is located centrally within Thelline, allowing for easy access to the kingdom's various regions.

The capital buzzed with sounds of drums and trumpets as people flocked the streets. It was a rather lively morning as everyone had a smile on their faces.

Eldrida is a fortified city situated on a strategic hill overlooking the rolling plains of Thelline. Taking in the scenery, Samuel couldn't help but smile at the beauty of the kingdom.

The city's architecture reflects its rich history, with ancient stone walls, imposing battlements, and majestic spires.

Staying at the The King's Keep, the royal palace, does have it's perks. This is the seat of King Xandros’ power.

The capital held a good number of monuments and buildings like The Great Cathedral of Thelline. A beautiful, ornate church dedicated to the kingdom's patron deity, Selene.

The Knights' Quarter, a bustling district housing the kingdom's elite knights, the Seven.

The royal family stood at the palace grounds, all in their regal attires as they waited for the knights home coming.

Before long, the trumpets blared once again as purple banners with a beautiful golden Lotus embroided on them hung from the walls.

Knights on horseback entered through the capital gates, Their white armor gleamed in the morning sun.

They trotted through the streets with some soldiers behind them as well. Leading them was an old man, a priest, putting on a white robe with the same golden Lotus embroided on his chest.

They looked elegant as they marched, getting closer to the palace grounds. “I thought they always wore silver plated armor” Sam asked Elara who stood beside him.

“Oh they do…these are the best knights of the Order”. She replied with a smile on her face.

Arthur stood at the corner, casually leaning against a pillar as he watched the approaching group.

“Hey…you're not wearing your mask”. Sam whispered to his friend. Remembering Asmoedus’ words, Arthur couldn't help but sigh as he looked at his friend.

“I…am trying a new look, I'm not at war”. He said, talking more to himself. “ Oh now you're willing to listen!”. Samuel rolled his eyes as he laughed.

Elara couldn't help but look back at him once in a while. “Is he even human?”. She asked herself as she bit her lips, her face turning red every time.

Even the guards and maids couldn't help but look awed at the god-like beauty in front of them.

“All hail the celestial emperor”. A voice roared, as everyone bowed down. Everyone except Arthur, who remained standing.

“It is good to see you Old friend”. King Xandros smiled as he shook hands with the priest. “My Lord, it's good to see you again”. The priest said as they hugged.

As the boring exchange of greetings continued, Samuel couldn't help but look at one of the holy knights.

Standing gallantly, with her longsword by her side, her blonde hair dancing in the wind. Her armor sat comfortably around her muscular yet curvy body.

“That's Ser Briane”. Elara stated, pulling Sam out of his trance. It took all of her will power just to walk up to them.

“Ser…Briane?... she's a knight?”. Sam asked looking confused. This was his first time seeing a lady knight. And a supposedly strong one at that.

“She's the only woman ever to join the seven”. Elara continued as she waved with a smile on her face. Her beautiful blue dress gleaming in the sunlight.

She looked at Arthur again, for the hundredth time that morning. Not looking away from the knights in front of them, Arthur continued staring.

“Oh oh…of course”. Sam said as a blush appeared on his cheeks. “I wasn't looking at her or anything of…”.

“She's the second member of the Four”. Aira who's been eavesdropping butted in as she walked towards them.

“Sec…second member?. Sam stuttered as he looked back at the lady knight who wasn't there anymore. “Where did she go?”. Sam asked himself as he likes around.

“Looking for me?”. He heard a female voice call out to him. Turning around, he was the lady knight walking up to him, her green eyes staring at him.

“Oh shit”. He cursed as he looked back at Arthur who was already standing next to the king, shaking hands with the priest.