The Knight Who Dared To Love
Chapter 00
This story is for the girls who see the man beneath the soldier.
Full Name: Evangeline Vivienne Devereux
Age: 19
Birthdate: March 15th, 1802
Physical Appearance: Standing at 5’6” (167 cm), Evangeline has long, silky blonde hair that falls in soft waves. Her doe blue eyes give her an air of elegance, while her fair, snow white skin add to her ethereal beauty.
Personality: Intelligent, determined, and fiercely independent, Evangeline is not someone who easily conforms to the expectations of court life. She’s been groomed for a noble marriage but struggles with the thought of being bound to someone she doesn’t love. Despite her beauty and status, Evangeline yearns for something more than the life of the nobility. She is warm-hearted but also quick-witted and stubborn, often arguing with those who try to control her life.
Background: As the youngest daughter of the powerful Devereux family, Evangeline has lived her life under constant pressure and security. Growing up surrounded by the court life and the pressures of noble duty, she’s become somewhat jaded by the expectations placed on her. She has two older brothers — Alistair, the heir, and Marcus, the next in line — both of whom are expected to play important roles in the Devereux legacy. Her mother, Genevieve, is a graceful yet calculating presence, while her father, Sebastian, is a strict, traditionalist who values duty above all else.
Full Name: Dominic Callum Lancaster
Age: 25
Birthdate: August 22nd, 1796
Physical Appearance: At over 6ft tall (194 cm), Dominic is a striking figure. With messy dark black hair and sharp emerald green eyes. His angular jawline and rough, battle hardened appearance tell of a life spent in conflict. Broad shouldered and muscular, his body speaks of strength trained through years of military training. Though he has the look of a hardened soldier, there is a vulnerability hidden deep in his eyes that only a select few have seen.
Background: Dominic was born into a family with a long history of service in the military, his father a decorated officer who raised him with the expectation of joining the army. He endured some of the toughest training in both the British and Russian militaries, a fact that earned him a reputation as a formidable warrior. His past is one filled with bloodshed and sacrifice, and he’s seen the worst of humanity. Though he’s loyal to his country and those he serves, he doesn’t believe he’s the kind of man who deserves happiness. When his new post brings him to the Devereux household, he never expected to fall for the young Miss.
This story was inspired by the kind of forbidden romance you see in shows like Bridgerton, where the stakes are high and the heart’s desire is something you can’t have.
But instead of ballrooms and endless seasons of suitors, I wanted to focus on the messy, raw side of love, when it feels impossible, dangerous, and yet completely inviting.
Dominic and Evangeline’s love isn’t just about a romance, it’s about everything they can’t have and everything they stand to lose.
Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoy it!
Chapter 01
❝︎ Chapter 1: A Tainted First Impression ❞︎
The ship rocked gently as it docked at the port, the salty air of England greeting Evangeline Devereux after nearly a year abroad.
She inhaled deeply, letting the familiarity settle in her bones.
The Americas had been an adventure, but this — this was home.
Margret (Maid)
Welcome back, miss Devereux.
Her lady’s maid, Margaret, said with a smile as she adjusted Eva’s shawl.
Margret (Maid)
London has been quite quiet without you.
Eva huffed, amusement flickering in her blue eyes.
Evangeline Vivienne Devereux
I highly doubt that.
Her brothers, Alistair and Marcus, were already waiting on the dock, standing tall in their coats to greet her.
Marcus grinned at the sight of her, while Alistair — ever the composed eldest — simply gave a nod.
Marcus Theodore Devereux
You took your time.
Marcus teased as she stepped out of the ship.
Evangeline Vivienne Devereux
And yet, I’m still far more punctual than you.
Eva shot back, earning a chuckle from him.
Alistair stepped forward, offering his arm.
Alistair Charles Devereux
Come. Father is eager to see you.
Alistair Charles Devereux
He’s been planning this ball since the day you left.
Eva sighed, linking her arm with his.
Evangeline Vivienne Devereux
So I’ve heard.
The thought of it made her stomach churn, though she kept her expression unreadable.
A grand ball, filled with lords and suitors eager to court her.
It was expected, necessary even — but that didn’t mean she had to like it.
As the carriage took them toward their family estate, Eva stared out the window, watching London come into view.
The city was unchanged, yet she felt different.
Either way, she knew one thing for certain — she wasn’t the same naïve girl who had left a year ago.
And society was about to learn that firsthand.
Dominic Lancaster had never despised an assignment more in his life.
His hands tightened into fists as he stood in the grand hall, watching nobles twirl around in their ridiculous gowns, their laughter echoing with the sound of violins.
He should’ve been elsewhere — anywhere but here.
William Hawthorne
Stop glaring at everyone, Dominic.
William Hawthorne
You look like you’re planning a murder.
Dominic glanced to his side, where his friend, William Hawthorne, stood with a glass of whiskey in hand.
Unlike Dominic, William blended in well with high society.
Dominic Callum Lancaster
I shouldn’t be here.
Dominic Callum Lancaster
My post was in the north. I was fine there.
William sighed, taking a sip of his drink.
William Hawthorne
You were stationed in a frozen wasteland with men who barely spoke.
William Hawthorne
I think the commander did you a favor.
Dominic Callum Lancaster
Hardly.
William Hawthorne
You do realize guarding the Devereux family is an honor?
William Hawthorne
It’s better than being sent to war.
Dominic Callum Lancaster
I’d rather be at war.
William shook his head, amused.
William Hawthorne
You’re impossible.
He had endured the harshest training imaginable, had fought battles that most men wouldn’t survive, and yet now, he was reduced to this — guarding nobles who never lifted a finger.
He would rather be anywhere but here.
He was a war machine. Not a guard.
At her father’s ball, Evangeline had barely been here for an hour, and she already wanted to leave.
She had smiled, curtsied, and listened to far too many men drone on about their family names and land holdings.
The same conversations, the same empty flattery.
With a sigh, she reached for a glass of champagne from a passing servant.
If she had to endure this night, she might as well have a drink in hand.
Meanwhile, across the hall, Dominic was trying his best to stay out of trouble.
He had positioned himself near a corner, keeping a watchful eye on the guests.
He didn’t belong here, and he didn’t care to pretend otherwise.
William Hawthorne
Enjoying yourself?
William asked, appearing beside him again.
Dominic Callum Lancaster
Not in the slightest.
William Hawthorne
Well, try to look less miserable.
William Hawthorne
You’re scaring people.
Before Dominic could reply, someone bumped into him.
A sudden chill ran down his chest. He looked down.
He exhaled sharply, turning his glare onto the culprit.
She blinked up at him, blue eyes wide before narrowing in realization.
Evangeline Vivienne Devereux
You ran into me.
Dominic furrowed his brows with irritation.
Dominic Callum Lancaster
I ran into you?
Dominic Callum Lancaster
You’re the one who wasn’t watching where you were going.
Evangeline Vivienne Devereux
Perhaps if you weren’t standing there like a statue, this wouldn’t have happened.
Dominic Callum Lancaster
Perhaps if you weren’t so careless, my uniform wouldn’t be soaked.
Eva rolled her eyes, unbothered.
Evangeline Vivienne Devereux
Oh, how tragic.
Evangeline Vivienne Devereux
Shall I fetch you a handkerchief?
Dominic stared at her, irritation flaring.
He had met plenty of noblewomen before, but this one —
This one had a mouth on her.
Dominic Callum Lancaster
Next time, watch where you’re going.
Evangeline Vivienne Devereux
Next time, try not to be so insufferable.
They locked eyes, neither willing to back down.
William, still standing beside Dominic, cleared his throat.
William Hawthorne
Well, this is... something.
Eva huffed, flipping her blonde hair over her shoulder.
Evangeline Vivienne Devereux
Enjoy the rest of your evening.
Evangeline Vivienne Devereux
Try not to sulk in the corner too much.
And with that, she turned on her heel and walked away.
Dominic watched her go, irritation boiling beneath his skin.
He had met her for all of two minutes, and already, he couldn’t stand her.
This was going to be a long assignment.
Chapter 02
❝︎ Chapter 02: An Wanted Arrangement ❞︎
Eva barely had time to shake off her irritation from her encounter with Sir Dominic Lancaster before her mother appeared at her side, smiling far too brightly.
Genevieve Margot Devereux
There you are, darling.
Genevieve Devereux cooed, slipping her arm through Eva’s.
Genevieve Margot Devereux
I’ve been looking for you.
Evangeline Vivienne Devereux
I was just getting a drink.
Genevieve Margot Devereux
Yes, well, there’s someone you simply must meet.
The one that left no room for argument. Eva knew better than to fight it.
So, with a carefully placed smile, she let her mother lead her across the ballroom.
The moment she saw who was waiting, her stomach twisted.
Tall, handsome, and every bit the perfect nobleman.
He had snow white hair neatly styled, piercing striking purple eyes, and an air of effortless charm.
He looked like the kind of man poets wrote about —
Wealthy, intelligent, and above all, untouchable.
Her father, Lord Sebastian Devereux, stood beside him, looking far too pleased
Sebastian James Devereux
Ah, Eva, there you are.
Evangeline Vivienne Devereux
Papa.
Then, with practiced grace, she turned to the Duke.
Evangeline Vivienne Devereux
Your grace.
The Duke gave a charming smile, bowing his head slightly.
Tristan Alexander Sinclair
Lady Evangeline, it is an honor.
Eva returned the smile, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes.
Genevieve Margot Devereux
The Duke and I were just speaking of you, dearest.
Evangeline Vivienne Devereux
Oh?
Sebastian James Devereux
Yes.
Lord Devereux interjected, his expression one of satisfaction.
Sebastian James Devereux
We were discussing your future.
Something in Eva’s chest tightened.
Evangeline Vivienne Devereux
My... future?
The Duke met her gaze, his expression unreadable.
Tristan Alexander Sinclair
Your father has generously offered your hand in marriage, Lady Evangeline.
Her heartbeat drummed in her ears, but she kept her face composed.
Evangeline Vivienne Devereux
My hand?
She repeated, voice low and careful.
Her mother gave her wrist a small squeeze, a silent warning to behave.
Genevieve Margot Devereux
It is a perfect match. A Devereux and a Duke.
Genevieve Margot Devereux
Society will talk of nothing else this season.
Eva felt as though the air had been knocked from her lungs.
She had known marriage was expected.
She had even accepted that she would have to entertain suitors.
But she had foolishly believed she would have a choice.
Apparently, she had been wrong.
Of course, they’d already picked a match for her.
The next day, Eva sat stiffly in the drawing room, barely resisting the urge to roll her eyes as Lady Genevieve paced in front of her, speaking as if Eva weren’t even there.
Genevieve Margot Devereux
The Duke of Ashbourne is a highly respected man.
Genevieve Margot Devereux
He is wealthy, well-bred, and well-mannered.
Genevieve Margot Devereux
A true gentleman.
Eva exhaled slowly, keeping her expression neutral.
Evangeline Vivienne Devereux
Mama, I do not care how perfect society says he is.
Evangeline Vivienne Devereux
I do not wish to marry a man I barely know.
Genevieve’s sharp eyes landed on her daughter.
Genevieve Margot Devereux
Do you think your father and I knew each other well before our wedding?
Genevieve Margot Devereux
Love grows in time, Eva.
Evangeline Vivienne Devereux
Or it doesn’t?
Evangeline Vivienne Devereux
What if he turns out to be a bore?
Evangeline Vivienne Devereux
Or worse, a man with secrets?
Genevieve sighed in exasperation, rubbing her temples.
Genevieve Margot Devereux
Evangeline, you must stop this childish behavior.
Genevieve Margot Devereux
A Devereux and a Duke, it is the match of the season.
Evangeline Vivienne Devereux
Why must I marry for the sake of society?
Evangeline Vivienne Devereux
Why can I not choose for myself?
Genevieve Margot Devereux
Because that is not how things work for young women of status.
Eva clenched her jaw, biting back a sharp response. Instead, she focused on the patterns drawn on the cushions, trying to steady her frustration.
Lady Genevieve took a seat beside her and softened her tone.
Genevieve Margot Devereux
I only wish the best for you, darling.
Genevieve Margot Devereux
A future of security, a husband who can provide for you—
Evangeline Vivienne Devereux
I can provide for myself.
Genevieve sighed once more, but before she could argue, the door swung open.
Alistair walked in, dressed in his riding attire.
He was the image of a man who did not wait for permission.
Alistair Charles Devereux
Mama, forgive me, but I need to borrow Eva.
Eva turned to him, her brows furrowing.
Evangeline Vivienne Devereux
What? Why?
Alistair Charles Devereux
You’ll see.
Eva had no time to protest before he took her by the arm, pulling her up.
Genevieve Margot Devereux
Alistair, she and I are in the middle of a very important discussion.
Alistair Charles Devereux
It can wait.
Alistair Charles Devereux
Come, Eva, you’ll enjoy this.
Dominic tightened the straps of his leather gloves, ignoring the chatter of the other knights stationed on the estate grounds.
He had spent the morning training with a blade, the only thing that kept him from going mad in this place.
Serving in a noble household was the last thing he wanted.
He belonged on the battlefield, not here, guarding spoiled grown women and men who spent their days worrying about ballroom dances and marriages.
William Hawthorne
You look like you’re about to kill someone.
William Hawthorne
Once again.
Dominic glanced to his side, finding William, his friend and fellow knight, leaning against the wooden fence.
William had trained with him since their early years in the British army, though he was more easygoing than Dominic had ever been.
Dominic Callum Lancaster
I feel like I might.
William Hawthorne
Aw, still pouting over your new post?
Dominic Callum Lancaster
This is a waste of my skills.
Dominic Callum Lancaster
I should be on the battlefield, not standing guard at a ball, watching people dance.
William Hawthorne
You didn’t seem to mind the ball last night.
William Hawthorne
You looked quite… entertained when that young lady poured her drink on you.
Dominic Callum Lancaster
That was a mistake.
Dominic Callum Lancaster
A very clumsy, annoying mistake.
William Hawthorne
A mistake you deserved.
William Hawthorne
You were being your usual charming self, weren’t you?
Dominic Callum Lancaster
I was being honest.
Dominic Callum Lancaster
Which seems to be a crime among nobles.
Before William could reply, voices approached from the pathway.
Dominic turned to see Lord Alistair Devereux walking toward the training grounds, dragging someone behind him.
Dominic immediately recognized her, and his expression hardened.
You have got to be kidding.
The same sharp tongued woman who had drenched him in champagne last night.
She looked equally shocked, her blue eyes narrowing the moment she saw him.
Evangeline Vivienne Devereux
You!?
Dominic Callum Lancaster
You!?
They both blurted in sync.
William coughed to hide his laugh.
Dominic crossed his arms, glancing over at Alistair.
Dominic Callum Lancaster
What is she doing here?
Eva turned to her brother, bewildered.
Evangeline Vivienne Devereux
Yes, Alistair, what am I doing here?
Alistair sighed, clearly amused by their reaction.
Alistair Charles Devereux
Eva, meet your new personal bodyguard.
Eva blinked. Then she laughed —
Evangeline Vivienne Devereux
You’re joking.
Alistair Charles Devereux
Not at all.
Dominic Callum Lancaster
I am not a personal bodyguard.
Alistair Charles Devereux
You are now.
Alistair Charles Devereux
Father insisted on assigning Eva the best protection available.
Eva turned back to Dominic, horror crossing her face.
Evangeline Vivienne Devereux
Surely, there must be someone else.
Dominic Callum Lancaster
I agree.
Alistair rolled his eyes.
Alistair Charles Devereux
Like it or not, father gave the order.
Eva groaned, pressing a hand to her forehead.
Dominic exhaled through his nose, already regretting every choice that led him to this moment.
This was going to be a disaster.
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