The grand hall shimmered with the light of the midday sun, pouring through the towering stained-glass windows. Seated on the gilded throne, clad in his shining gold armor, King Excalibur Sonic surveyed his court with a piercing gaze. His once carefree spirit now tempered by the heavy crown resting on his brow.

At the center of the room knelt Sir Percival, her silver rapier Laevatein glinting at her side. Blaze's violet eyes stared at the floor, awaiting the King's command. Sonic leaned forward, a mischievous glint sparking behind his stern demeanor.

Excalibur Sonic: "Sir Percival... I expect nothing but absolute perfection from my knights," he said, his voice sharp yet teasing at the edges. "Especially from the one knight who makes my kingdom feel... a little too warm, even without the fires of Laevatein."

Blaze's ears twitched slightly. She lifted her head, a faint blush rising beneath her fur.

Sir Percival: "Your Majesty, I live only to serve Camelot. I shall not disappoint you."

Sonic rose from his throne with deliberate grace, his golden armor clinking softly. He stepped down, each footfall echoing through the silent hall, until he stood just before her. Slowly, he extended his hand to lift her chin gently with a single, gloved finger.

Excalibur Sonic: "Good. Because if you did..." he said, smirking, "I might have to keep a much closer eye on you... for purely royal reasons, of course."

Sir Percival's eyes narrowed slightly, her composure wavering between formal duty and the heat of the moment. She answered with a low, composed voice:

Sir Percival: "Then by all means, Your Majesty... watch as closely as you desire."

Their eyes locked — the tension between them thick, electric. Around the hall, the other knights pretended not to notice, though a few exchanged knowing glances.

Sonic chuckled softly, stepping back.

Excalibur Sonic: "See to it that you report to me directly after your patrols, Sir Percival," he said, voice dropping a little lower, "I find your... company quite necessary