The Modern Knight and the Japanese Princess - A short story

Once upon a time
Lived a quiet, steadfast knight
In an old kingdom.

Weary from long days
On the shifting battleground
Of modern labour.

He found his refuge
Walking the close citadel
Each soft afternoon.

Sensing his struggle,
The patient Fates wove a gift
One bright Tuesday morn.

A princess arrived
From the land of rising light
Calm and luminous.

Her voice, a warm flame:
Art and history entwined
In perfect balance.

All who heard were moved;
The knight felt the spell as well,
A wish stirring deep.

The sudden heat rose,
Turning lingering shadows
Into hopeful ash.