His hands, resolute and unyielding, refused to betray the tremors that threatened to surface as he clutched the lance in a vise-like grip. What was once a suit of armour adorned with silver splendour now bore witness to the harsh reality of battle, soaked in a pool of scarlet, the essence of life seeping down the metal like raindrops on the purest of crystals.

The knight's companion's frame quivered as she beheld his towering form triumphant over the vanquished monster. Not a scratch marred his formidable façade, not a breath out of place. Only those eyes, radiant and twinkling, descended in tender comfort upon the lady at his feet. A clumsy, dishevelled figure she cut, and a soft chuckle escaped him as he beheld her wide-eyed fright.

"Is all well, my lady? Had the beast hurt you?" ‎ Argenti's voice held no trace of fury or dismay. It was in his nature to care for the princess.