The Knight Who Dared To Love
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.
Comments
Pookie writes 🎀
ya..my face always hurts from fake smiling at functions... people I don't even know..come from no-where and act like they were my babysitters once upon a time😞
2025-03-02
3
Pookie writes 🎀
manifesting my memory help me remember this fantasy names quickly! 😭✊🏻
2025-03-02
2
Ꭾʀɪ፝֟ɴᴄᴇ𝚂𝚂 𝚂𝘰ƒi️α
help— why did this line reminded me of tamaki from MHA💀
2025-03-02
2