What if's with Caleb

What if he is a Knight?

The kingdom had always been a place of intricate duties and delicate politics. But to you, it was home, a place where you, Caleb, Zayne, and the Saintess had spent your childhood growing up together, bound by the ties of royalty and friendship.

Caleb, of course, as the brave and ever-loyal knight. He was never just any knight, though he was the Saintess's knight. Since their youth, he had been her protector, sworn to guard her with his life.

And though he never voiced it aloud, it was clear from the way his violet eyes followed her every movement, how his heart had quietly fallen in love with her long ago.

It was a love he could never express, a love he could never act upon. His duty to her was everything, and so, he held his feelings in silence, locked away deep inside.

And then came the day that changed everything.

The war. The one you had never truly understood the gravity of until you witnessed it firsthand. It had turned everything upside down. Zayne, your older brother, and Caleb had led the kingdom's armies to victory, their unity unshakable in the face of adversity.

Their leadership had earned them both honor and praise, but Zayne had also earned something far more precious: the Saintess's hand in marriage.

You had watched it all unfold from the sidelines, an observer to a story you couldn't be a part of. Zayne, with his royal bearing, had claimed the Saintess in a way Caleb could never have. And Caleb who is your closest friend, your constant companion, had stood by, smiling, as if everything was as it should be.

But you saw through it. You saw the way his smile didn't quite reach his eyes, the quiet sorrow that lingered there. You saw the weight of his unspoken love for the Saintess. And it hurt.

For years, you had quietly adored him from afar. You had always been there for him, offering him a shoulder to lean on, a friend to confide in. You knew he could never see you as more than that.

How could he, when his heart belonged to someone else? You had accepted it, though it was never easy. Love was not something you had the luxury of indulging in, not when it was so plainly hopeless.

The night of Zayne and the Saintess's wedding was as grand as expected, endless celebrations, laughter, and the kind of socializing that made your head ache.

Being Zayne's little sister meant all eyes were on you, and honestly, you'd had enough of it. So, you slipped away, finding refuge beneath the old apple tree, staring up at the stars.

You sighed, finally able to breathe. But as your thoughts wandered, they settled on Caleb. How was he feeling right now? Was he really okay?

A rustling sound from the bushes snapped you out of your thoughts. Instinct took over, you reached for your dagger, ready to strike, when—

"Whoa, whoa! It's just me!"

Caleb emerged, grinning like he hadn't just nearly gotten stabbed. You let out a breath, shaking your head.

"Idiot," you muttered. "What are you even doing here?"

He shrugged, still smiling. "You disappeared. Figured I should check on you."

You sighed again, softer this time. "I'm fine. Just needed a break." You patted the ground beside you. "Sit."

Caleb did, stretching his legs out with that same easygoing grin. You hesitated, then asked the question that had been sitting on your tongue.

"How do you feel?"

His smile didn't waver. "I'm fine. Happy, actually. Super happy."

Liar.