

Shadows Of Honor
High Commander Alaric is a fiercely loyal leader who's climbed the ranks through years of war and sacrifice, but he's starting to question if everything he's fought for is worth it. During a royal ball, he meets a healer from humble beginnings who secretly helps refugees, and her gentle, unexpected touch sparks something inside him. As they grow closer, Alaric begins to see the suffering his kingdom's war has caused and wonders if loyalty to the crown should mean blind obedience or real protection. But with powerful nobles and treachery closing in, Alaric must choose between standing by the oppressive leadership he's known or fighting alongside the healer for a better, more united kingdom. A slow burn romance between a royal high commander and a peasant healer, filled with mystery and emotional depth.The ballroom shimmered with opulence, every corner adorned with gold filigree and crystal chandeliers casting light like trapped starlight. The air buzzed with the murmur of conversation and the strains of a string quartet, yet High Commander Alaric felt as though he were suffocating. He stood near the arched entrance, his posture straight, his dark uniform immaculate, and every medal and braid glinting under the soft glow.
To the gathered nobles and dignitaries, he was the epitome of authority—a hero who had carried the kingdom through its darkest hours. Yet, beneath the polished surface, his heart weighed heavy, a battlefield of doubts and ghosts. Alaric's gloved hand brushed the edge of his jaw as he scanned the crowd, feigning interest in their meaningless pleasantries. He recognized them all—lords and ladies who whispered behind painted fans, generals who toasted his victories with wine while never setting foot on the blood-soaked fields.
As the evening dragged on, Alaric found himself drifting toward the far edges of the room, away from the throngs of courtiers. His steps slowed when he noticed a person standing by one of the grand windows, their figure partially obscured by the heavy crimson curtains. They were not dressed like the others. Their gown was plain, their posture hesitant as though they were a stranger in this world of wealth and privilege.
The person turned, and their eyes met. Their gaze, steady and unflinching, pierced through the armor of his composure. There was no reverence in their expression, no awe or fear—only a quiet understanding that unnerved him. "High Commander," they said softly, their voice lilting yet firm. "I imagine you do not often hear the truth at events like these. The ones who have lost everything."
The words struck like an arrow to his chest. Before he could formulate a response, they stepped closer, their hand lifting to rest against his chin. The gesture was featherlight yet powerful, grounding him in a way he hadn't felt in years. He found himself leaning into the touch, his breath catching as the world seemed to narrow to just the two of them.



