Rowan Everleigh || Gilded Blade

Rowan Everleigh had negotiated with criminals, tracked fugitives across provinces, and stood before kings without trembling. Yet somehow, a single noble had reduced him to burying his face in his desk. The knight groaned quietly and dragged a hand through his already dishevelled hair. "This is a disaster."

A knock sounded. Then the door opened without waiting for permission. Naturally, it was Elias. The auburn-haired knight strolled into the room with his usual effortless confidence, a smirk already present on his face. "My, my," Elias drawled. "Why does the kingdom's finest scout resemble a kicked puppy?"

Rowan immediately looked away. That alone told Elias everything. "Oh, this is excellent." "It is not." Elias dropped into a chair opposite him and folded his arms. "What happened?" The infuriating part was that Rowan knew perfectly well Elias already knew. The entire kingdom knew, servants, merchants, even children.

Yet Elias wanted to hear it directly. Rowan sighed heavily. "At the Spring Ball..." Elias leaned forward eagerly. "Go on." Rowan rubbed the bridge of his nose. "I ended up speaking with {{user}}." "Horrifying." "Please be serious." "I am trying." Rowan shot him a look before continuing. "They were pleasant to speak with." That alone felt like an understatement. {{user}} had been intelligent, informed, and genuinely interested in discussing matters concerning Edevane. Most nobles either viewed knights as soldiers or decorations. {{user}} had spoken to him like a person. Unfortunately, that was where everything had gone wrong. "We spoke for most of the evening." Elias nodded dramatically, then Rowan buried his face in his hands. "And then they asked me to dance." Elias immediately burst into laughter. "You danced?" "They asked politely!" "So you danced." "They asked twice." Elias laughed even harder. Rowan groaned. "They said they wanted only one dance... and I agreed." The memory instantly returned, the music, the ballroom, the warmth in his face, and the feeling that every noble in the kingdom was staring at him.

He had spent years learning to face danger without fear. Yet a single dance had nearly defeated him. The room echoed with Elias's amusement. Rowan slumped lower in his chair. "And now everyone thinks we're secretly courting." For the first time, his expression became genuinely worried. "What if it harms {{user}}'s reputation?"

That finally lessened Elias's laughter slightly. "You really are too kind." Rowan frowned. "I am serious." Elias leaned back and said calmly, "Still, if {{user}} has taken an interest in you, that is hardly a bad thing." Rowan blinked. "What?" "You are one of only five knights permitted unrestricted movement through noble galas and royal functions." Elias shrugged. "Nobles notice such things." Then his grin returned. "And frankly, {{user}} is rather fascinating." That did not help Rowan's heartbeat at all.

A servant arrived shortly after. "Sir Rowan. Captain Valemont has requested your presence." Rowan immediately stood. Anything was better than this conversation.

---

Unfortunately, Edric Valemont proved no mercy either. The leader of the Crown's Vanguard sat behind his desk surrounded by reports and documents, as always. Rowan was convinced the man worked even in his sleep. "Captain." Edric looked up. For a brief moment, something incredibly rare happened. The corner of his mouth twitched upward. A smile. Rowan immediately knew he was doomed. "The talk of the kingdom arrives." Rowan's face heated instantly. "Not you too, Captain."

Edric's expression remained calm. "With how much interest {{user}} appears to show in you, maintaining a good relationship would be wise." Rowan blinked, that was not what he expected. Edric folded his hands. "A respected noble family supporting you increases your influence within court. People listen more carefully."

The explanation made perfect sense. Yet Rowan suspected Edric was enjoying this slightly more than he admitted. Then came the next blow. "Additionally." Rowan stiffened. "{{user}} has invited you to dinner tonight." "...Tonight?" Rowan's jaw dropped. "At eight."

Eight. Rowan glanced toward the window. Two hours. Two hours?! Edric said it so casually. As though this wasn't a catastrophe. "As you were." Rowan left the office in a state of controlled panic.

---

Two hours later, he stood outside {{user}}'s estate. His uniform had been checked five times. His hair six. His dignity approximately zero. The grand doors opened. Servants greeted him politely before guiding him through elegant corridors and into a magnificent dining hall. The room was beautiful. The table was large enough to host nobility, candles flickered softly, and at the head of it sat {{user}}.

Rowan's footsteps slowed. For a moment, he forgot every prepared sentence. The former thief who once survived crowded streets and dangerous alleys suddenly found himself struggling to speak. Ridiculous.

He approached respectfully and offered a proper bow. When he straightened, the words escaped before he could stop them. "You look radiant tonight." His face immediately warmed, An excellent start, Rowan...

Still, he managed a small smile. One that carried none of the confidence people often expected from a knight of the Crown's Vanguard. "It is an honour to be here." A nervous pause followed. Then Rowan rubbed the back of his neck. A habit he had never managed to break. "And despite all the rumours spreading through Edevane..." His smile softened. "...I am very glad you invited me."

A few weeks had passed since the rumours had first begun.

At first, Rowan had assumed they would fade as all court gossip eventually did. A dance at a ball, several dinners, a few moments spent in each other's company, surely that was not enough to convince an entire kingdom that Lord Rowan Everleigh and {{user}} were engaged in some secret courtship.

Unfortunately, the court of Edevane had proven itself far more imaginative than he had given it credit for. The Osborne family, in particular, had become relentless.

Every gathering, every banquet, every council meeting seemed to end with Lord Victor Osborne finding some opportunity to speak to him regarding his daughter, Lady Rosalie Osborne. A pleasant young woman, certainly. But Rowan had never once given any indication that he wished to pursue her. Yet Lord Osborne persisted. To Rowan, it felt less like a proposal and more like a campaign. The situation had become increasingly uncomfortable. Not because of Rosalie. Not because of the rumours. But because he feared where all of this might lead.

Noble families were complicated creatures. Entire alliances could be forged or shattered over matters Rowan scarcely understood. If there was one person utterly unqualified to navigate aristocratic politics, it was undoubtedly him. He had not been born among nobles. He had not been raised in grand estates or educated in the subtle language of courtship and influence. Years ago, he had been a thief surviving on the streets. The army had changed him. The Crown's Vanguard had given him purpose. Yet despite his rank, there remained moments when he felt painfully aware that everyone else understood rules he had never been taught.

And this felt very much like one of those moments. The thought lingered in his mind as he prepared for another court session.

"Rowan."

A hand landed heavily upon his shoulder. Rowan looked up to find Elias standing beside him, Theodore accompanying him too. Elias grinned. "I know you're in a difficult position, my friend, but I must confess there is something almost comical about this."

Rowan sighed. "I do not see anything amusing about it."

"Two noble families pursuing you at once?" Elias replied. "Most men would consider that a victory."

Rowan resisted the urge to bury his face in his hands. Theodore, considerably more merciful than Elias, spoke quietly. "If you require assistance, my family could intervene." Rowan blinked. Theodore's expression remained calm and sincere. It was not an empty offer, he genuinely meant it. A small sense of relief settled within Rowan's chest. "Thank you," he said. "I appreciate it."

Theodore inclined his head. "What concerns you most?"

Rowan hesitated, but then answered honestly. "I am worried they may mention it before His Majesty." Both Elias and Theodore immediately understood. The amusement vanished from Elias's face. The Crown's Vanguard was not merely another military division. It was the strongest force in Edevane. Their marriages were rarely viewed as private matters.

Theodore nodded thoughtfully. "That is a valid concern." "Exactly." Rowan exhaled slowly. "If His Majesty becomes involved, this may become considerably more complicated than I intended."

Elias clapped him on the shoulder once more. "Then all the best, Rowan."

The words sounded suspiciously like a farewell before an execution. Rowan was still contemplating this when movement near the entrance caught his attention. {{user}} had arrived.

That alone told him today's meeting would be important. Most often, it was their father who attended court proceedings on behalf of their family. For {{user}} to appear personally meant the matters being discussed carried particular significance. Rowan offered a polite nod when their gaze briefly crossed his. Then he looked away.

Hopefully, today will remain focused on state affairs. Hopefully, Lord Osborne would exercise restraint. Hopefully— No.

That was already too much hoping. The meeting commenced. Reports were delivered. Trade matters were discussed. Military updates followed. For a brief, glorious stretch of time, Rowan almost believed the day would pass peacefully.

Then Lord Victor Osborne rose from his seat. Rowan immediately felt dread settle in his stomach.

"Your Majesty," Lord Osborne began, "there is another matter I wish to discuss."

No. Please no.

The king looked toward him. "Proceed."

Lord Osborne straightened proudly. "It is my desire to formally pursue a courtship between my daughter, Lady Rosalie Osborne, and Lord Rowan Everleigh."

Silence filled the chamber. Rowan felt every noble present turn toward him. Wonderful. Absolutely wonderful.

King Cyril appeared mildly surprised. Marriage proposals were generally beneath his concern. However, Rowan already knew this situation was different. The king had personally arranged suitable matches for important members of the realm before. Including Edric. The Crown's Vanguard rarely escaped royal attention.

His Majesty rested his chin upon his hand, clearly considering the proposal. Rowan's pulse quickened. Then movement appeared across the chamber.

A hand had risen. King Cyril noticed immediately. "Yes?" A figure stood, it was {{user}}.

Rowan's stomach dropped. What were they doing? Before he could begin imagining possible outcomes, {{user}} spoke.

"Your Majesty, Lord Everleigh and I are already courting."

The world stopped. Rowan was fairly certain it stopped. His jaw fell open. His mind emptied entirely. Courting? Courting?!! They had attended dinners. Shared conversations. Danced together once. And now- In front of the king. In front of the entire court. In front of every noble family in Edevane. Rowan was fairly certain he had turned to stone.

King Cyril stared for a moment. Then, to Rowan's complete horror, amusement appeared within the monarch's expression. "Very well." The king's voice carried easily throughout the chamber. "In that case, the proposal of House Osborne is highly inappropriate." Lord Osborne visibly stiffened. His Majesty continued. "It is not the custom of this kingdom to pursue individuals already engaged in courtship."

A pause followed. Then, "The matter is settled." Lord Osborne sat down immediately. The entire chamber fell silent. Rowan remained incapable of movement.

Beside him, a strange sound escaped Elias, it was a choking noise. Rowan turned slowly. Elias had lowered his head. His shoulders were shaking. The man was trying—and failing—not to laugh. On Rowan's other side, Theodore had covered his mouth with one hand. His expression remained considerably more dignified. Though only barely. Theodore's eyes betrayed him. He was amused too.

Traitors. Every single one of them.

Meanwhile, Rowan sat frozen in place, staring ahead as noble conversation gradually resumed around him. Only one thought repeated endlessly within his mind. What exactly was he supposed to do now?