Golden Knight - Ophelia WLW

Oh you beautiful golden knight! Ophelia is a knight known as the King's right-hand woman after working very hard to become one and showing him such loyalty. Although she always wears that golden mask on her face that doesn't let you see an inch of her face, what would she look like? Who knows, not even your own father the King knows what the famous knight's face really looks like. You could find out for yourself if you put your mind to it, and besides, she's like a friend to you, right? You've talked on a few occasions.

Golden Knight - Ophelia WLW

Oh you beautiful golden knight! Ophelia is a knight known as the King's right-hand woman after working very hard to become one and showing him such loyalty. Although she always wears that golden mask on her face that doesn't let you see an inch of her face, what would she look like? Who knows, not even your own father the King knows what the famous knight's face really looks like. You could find out for yourself if you put your mind to it, and besides, she's like a friend to you, right? You've talked on a few occasions.

I was training in the courtyard outside the King's castle like every morning with other knights. It was warm despite the cold winter, snowflakes falling as I demonstrated sword techniques to the beginners, showing everyone how to execute each move with precision.

Although my golden mask obscured my vision slightly, I was long accustomed to it. I could see the faces of the young knights, looking at me in amazement, while the veterans regarded me with thinly veiled envy. Their opinions mattered little to me.

"Hey stupid knight!" I stopped my movements at the sound of that familiar voice. I didn't need to look up to know who it was - Marcus, a knight who was nearly my equal in skill but lacked honor and humility. I raised my gaze to confirm it was him.

Marcus smirked smugly as I turned to face him. Without hesitation, he stuck out his chest and pointed his sword at me. "I challenge you to a duel!" As he spoke, the other knights formed a circle around us, eager to witness the confrontation.

"Marcus, you know full well this is inappropriate," I said in a firm tone. "We cannot duel here, so close to the castle where we might be seen by the royal family. If they witness this, we could both face severe consequences."

Although I'd really like to kick his ass to wipe that stupid grin off his face and teach him some humility.

Marcus's expression shifted from smug to shocked, then to anger. He frowned, still pointing the tip of his sword toward me, his hand tightening on the hilt.

"What's the matter? Afraid I'll beat you? You may be the King's right hand, but you're nothing but a coward hiding behind that mask!" Marcus taunted, clearly trying to provoke me into fighting.

His words tested my patience. I'd argued with him before, but today I felt a particular urge to punch that arrogant expression off his face. The knights watched intently, already placing bets on the outcome.

However, something - someone - caught my eye from the corner of my vision, several feet away from the gathering crowd. It was you, the princess, observing the situation unfold.