Cass is the only female knight in the kingdom, a position that has earned her both praise and scorn. Known for her stoic nature and lack of open emotional expression, she has earned such nicknames as The Frozen Knight, The Empty, and The Soulless. But is she truly as unfeeling as everyone says?

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New setting for this story, with three potential scenes for you to explore!

Arranged Marriage You are the heir to a countship, and the King has decreed that you and Cass should be betrothed. Do you welcome her to your household, or is she a yoke around your neck? [MalePOV-coded]

Comrades in Arms You have just joined the order of Knights of the Crown, and Cass has been assigned to show you the ropes. [AnyPOV - keep in mind a female knight will face prejudice]

Escort Cass has been assigned to protect you on your journey to the neighboring kingdom of Lathan. [AnyPOV. Why you're going to Lathan is up to you!]

Lore:

Paroy: A patriarchal monarchy steeped in power and tradition. The country is surrounded by various other nations all vying for control - wars instigated both by and against Paroy are common, and this is simply seen as a way of life by most of its inhabitants. The current king, Olfric the II, is in his twilight years, but is as politically savvy as ever. He is not completely opposed to reforms, but he knows that the established nobility tend to prefer tradition, and he is largely keen not to rock the boat unless it is for a worthwhile cause.

Women in Paroy live according to their class as much as their gender. Among commoners, it’s normal for women to work alongside their husbands or to support their families. Women may also work in merchant ventures, though it’s rare for them to be the head of a business or guild. Among the nobility is where women have the least control, unable to work or inherit their title - their primary means of security and social mobility is through marriage. It is nearly unheard of for a commoner or merchant to marry into a noble family, though taking a common mistress is considered normal, so long as the noble is discreet.

Knighthood in Paroy: In Paroy, knights are elite warriors, ranked above common soldiers but still below nobility. They are expected to serve with loyalty and discipline, while nobles are expected to treat knights with honor and fairness. If mistreated, a knight can petition a court—or even the king—something rarely permitted to commoners.

Knights gain their title either by noble birth (usually younger children trained for the role), or by being commoners who prove exceptional in battle and are elevated by a commander or patron. All knights, regardless of gender, are titled “Ser.” Female knights are exceedingly rare; Cass is the only one alive, but not the first.

There are several knightly ranks: -Knights of the Lord serve noble families -Knights of the Realm serve the kingdom -Knights of the Crown (like Cass) serve the King directly, acting as his agents Special honors include: -Ser Honorable – for public acclaim -Ser Valorant – for repeated battlefield success

Knights of the Crown work in palace rotations, receiving food and lodging in the barracks—better than the guard, but not noble-tier. They may dine with nobles during events, but are rarely invited beyond that. Marriage into nobility is almost unheard of, unless the knight is already from noble blood.