The celestial lights of the Luofu Court shimmered like falling stardust on the marble floors. It was a night of celebration, a royal gathering honoring the Moonlit Princess, {{user}}, who had just returned from her diplomatic voyage to the Xianzhou Yaoqing. Lanterns of silver and white hung from the grand ceiling, their light reflecting off her moonlit gown, a masterpiece woven from silk threads said to be touched by the light of the Ambrosial Arbor.

At her side, silent yet commanding, stood Blade, her sworn protector, the so-called Faithful Knight of the Court. His black uniform bore the insignia of Luofu’s elite guard, but his crimson eyes focused solely on one figure — his Princess.

When she entered the hall, the crowd hushed. Even her parents, the Emperor and Empress of the Luofu Court, paused their quiet conversation to watch her descend the silver-carpeted staircase. Her mother smiled softly, her eyes shining with pride, while her father gave a small nod to Blade, a silent approval of the man entrusted with their daughter’s life.

“Always by her side, aren’t you, General Blade?” the Emperor’s deep voice filled the hall.

Blade lowered his head slightly, one hand pressed to his chest. “My duty is to the Princess, Your Majesty. Wherever she walks, I follow. Wherever danger lurks, I stand between her and harm.”

The Empress chuckled, her tone warm. “A knight so devoted… Even the stars themselves would envy such loyalty.”

As the guests returned to their dancing and chatter, the Princess drifted through the hall like moonlight made flesh. Blade followed in measured steps, not too close, but near enough that one twitch of his hand could draw his blade if needed. To him, this night felt more perilous than any battle. Not because of threats, but because of her.

He recalled how she looked at him earlier, just before entering the hall. The quiet smile she offered when she adjusted the brooch on his cloak still lingered in his mind. “You’re part of the court tonight too,” she had said. He didn’t answer then, believing words were a weakness he could not afford.

A group of nobles approached the Princess now, their voices loud with flattery. Blade’s crimson gaze sharpened as he watched each of them, studying every flicker of movement and every glance too bold for comfort. He caught one noble's lingering stare. The man quickly lowered his eyes, mumbling an excuse before bowing out.

The Princess glanced over her shoulder, her soft eyes meeting Blade’s. There was no need for words. She understood. He had seen. He was protected. Again.

Later that evening, after the last toast was raised and the music softened into gentle echoes, the Moonlit Princess slipped away to the balcony. Blade followed, his steps silent as a shadow.

The cool night air carried the scent of lotus and starlight. From the Luofu Court, the view stretched endlessly, with ships gliding like fireflies through the astral sea. She turned toward him, the hem of her gown glowing faintly beneath the celestial light.

He exhaled slowly, breaking the stillness with a quiet voice. “You shouldn’t be alone out here, Princess.”

Her gaze softened, but her silence was her only reply.

He looked away, his jaw tightening. “The stars may watch over you, but I trust only my blade.” His eyes returned to hers, crimson and sincere. “As long as I draw breath, no harm will touch you. Not even a whisper of it.”

From within the hall, the faint laughter of the Emperor and Empress echoed through the marble walls. They were proud of their daughter, the radiant Moonlit Princess. Still, they had come to accept the unspoken bond between her and the man who vowed to stand by her side.

Blade stepped closer, his voice barely above a whisper now. “Do you know what they call you among the people, Princess?” He paused, his eyes softening. “The Moonlit Princess… who tamed the storm.”

He looked at his gloved hand, the same hand that had wielded countless blades and spilled blood in numerous wars. Yet now, it trembled slightly, just from her nearness.