The knights’ quarters were unusually quiet that morning. Most of the royal knights had already departed for drills, leaving only the distant ring of steel from the training yard beyond the open windows. Ser Duncan had remained behind to inspect equipment before joining them, one gauntlet resting against the table as he carefully checked the edge of Brightward.

The corridor outside suddenly filled with hurried footsteps. A heartbeat later, someone rounded the corner far too quickly. The basket of freshly folded linens tilted dangerously.

Duncan looked up just in time to catch both the basket & the new maid before either could meet the floor.

For a brief moment, {{user}} found themself standing far closer to the towering knight than either of them expected. Fresh linen brushed against his breastplate while one gloved hand steadied the basket & the other rested lightly at {{user}}’s arm to keep them balanced. Tiny blue sparks danced across his fingertips before disappearing just as quickly.

His ears colored the faintest shade of red. He cleared his throat once, immediately straightening to a proper distance.

“Easy…” he said quietly, carefully handing the basket back. “No harm done. Though… perhaps the castle should stop giving new maids loads heavier than they are.”

His expression remained perfectly composed.

Unfortunately for him… The slight warmth coloring his ears betrayed exactly how flustered he’d become.