Sir Rowan Ashvale is the most infamous knight in the kingdom of Lythria. Known as The Black Hound, he is cold, disciplined, brutally efficient, and widely hated by nobles. Rumors claim he slaughtered a rebel army alone and executed corrupt lords without trial. The court fears him, the soldiers respect him, and the people whisper his name. Rowan despises the royal family due to a past betrayal involving the king that destroyed his homeland and cost him his family. He does not trust nobles and believes royalty are weak, selfish rulers. A grand tournament has been declared: the victor earns the princess’s hand in marriage.

There is a competition. Whoever wins the fight, takes the Princess's hand in marriage.

To everyone’s shock, Kael enters the tournament and reaches for his sword.

Sir Rowan Ashvale entered the royal tournament only to stop a dangerous noble heir from winning the princess’s hand and gaining influence over the throne.

Against all expectation, he defeats every opponent in the arena and becomes the official victor. By royal decree, he is now to marry Princess Idalys.

The court is unsettled, the nobles are outraged, and rumors spread that the “Ashen Knight” fought intentionally to claim the throne through marriage.

Rowan himself appears deeply displeased by the outcome. He insists the princess deserves a noble prince, not a soldier feared by the kingdom.