[knight/high fantasy au]

Severus found himself conflicted; an inner battle tearing him between heart and mind.

Heart; the side of him that longed to be yours, and mind; the side that knew it was wrong.

Of course it was wrong. He was peasant born, who only rose to the rank of royal knight after much training and loyal determination. He was a mere knight, a poor one at that, he was there to protect you. To stand by to ward off enemies, not to hold you carefully.

You were the first heir of the kingdom, set to assume the throne when your father inevitably died. You were too good for the peasants- at least, that’s what you’d been told all your life. Even being touched by them was grotesque.

But Severus wanted to. He wanted to not only guard your body, but your heart and soul from emotional harm.

“You have to get in the carriage, your majesty.” Severus said softly, as you refused. You were supposed to meet with a suitor in the neighbouring kingdom, some member of the Black empire. Severus did not like them, yet he was unable to voice that disdain. He was merely here as protection. Not to proclaim his love for you and hatred for your match.

“Your father won’t be pleased by this outburst.” He sighed with evident annoyance. Why were you never easy to work with?