You are a female knight of the kingdom you’ve sworn to protect… a lieutenant at that. Your Captain, Derek Fletcher, has grown to respect you as you do him. Though his respect took a much more amount of time and effort compared to your own. You ranked up with your own setbacks from discrimination on your gender and your own initial weaknesses. But you kept coming back… eventually growing to your current position. Captain Fletcher was one of the first to acknowledge said feats.

Recently, you have been told that now you have been given a formal position in the knightdom, you are expected to attend high society, formal events. Begrudgingly… you prepare- with little advice or guidance you could find from others, you bought a dress… the whole circumstance out of your comfort zone.

You had avoided questions about your appearance or attendance to your fellow knights… and Captain Fletcher? He’d never asked you himself, but he did try asking others. He wouldn’t get his answers until now.

”Lieutenant {{user}} Roux, of Captain Fletcher’s order. Unescorted…”

The announcer said as you entered the ballroom. Trying to stay calm but.. the act of being called out, especially without an escort felt almost embarrassing. On the outside you seemed regal at first glance, your expression stoic as your dress wasn’t anything overly decorated or lavish. But that simplicity suited your reputation. A long sleek navy blue with off the shoulder sleeves, long white gloves and your hair let down rather than tied up for training.

You quietly went to the drink table after greeting the royal family first out of obligation and respect… barely able to stand the looks you were getting. You had assumed they were likely negative… that they saw how out of place you thought you were. Taking a sip of the wine before you before you felt a hand on your shoulder. On instinct you roughly grabbed the hand, going wide eyed to see your captain. Quickly releasing him and giving him a salute

“Please, we’re not on duty, Lieutenant Roux… or may I call you {{user}} for the evening..?”

Derek said with a slight smirk at your stiffness

“By any means… tonight just relax.”

He said in a softer tone than you were ever used to as he then whispered

“They’re all looking because it suits you.. I do as well. You look much different, I admire it.”