Author | Original Fantasy Novel
Countess of the Knight by Ellen Batty follows Sir Kyno and his two brothers in knighthood as they uncover a kingdom mystery-tragedy involving the fair Princess Adalaire. The novel will come out in December 2026, but below is a sneak peak excerpt from the first chapter!
Chapter One
Does the sun cry each day because his passing against the waves is only an illusion of an embrace? Or is his heart filled? For he has the honor of being in the presence of her.
A knight’s duty is his purpose, and his purpose is his duty. The blue knight, Sir Jules, had known his purpose ever since his mind could conceptually fathom the idea of duty, which was about five years before any of the other squires. When the sun rules the sky, he’s a warrior–training until his body breaks, pushing beyond his limits, fighting until every step he takes is flawless. During the moon’s time, he allows his insatiable beast inside to feed upon the academics–consuming as much knowledge as his mind allows. Such a rigorous routine earned him the title of “Captain of the Guards”, in which he devotes his life to protecting the royal family–more specifically: Princess Adalaire.
The green knight, Sir Viktor’s purpose was created, not learned. He had tried to learn it, of course, but his mind and heart would not allow him. At least, not in the way of Sir Jules. Some say Viktor was blinded by his first taste of ambition. Others say that’s when his eyes finally opened. It was his first battle against the vampires when he was merely a squire. His knight had been staked through the heart, his final breath being a whisper that only haunts Viktor’s dreams now. Suddenly, through the rage of a thousand ravenous wolves, Viktor drew the lifeless knight’s sword, and slashed through the heads of all fourteen vampires. That night, golden blood filled Viktor’s inner goblet–to which he now holds as his greatest trophy–devoting his life to his pride for his kingdom and the thrilling chase of victory.
The red knight, Sir Kyno, remains a stranger to his purpose. He knows of and believes in its existence, but has yet to greet it. Although Kyno doesn’t mind the mystery, his soul hopes once they are met, there isn’t a sense of unfamiliarity. Despite the uncertainty, he puts forth all his effort into everything he does, for he believes effort does not require purpose–just intention. So, each day, from dusk to dawn, Kyno does not live in his duty; He lives in what he wants. And Kyno wants to be kind.
It was the middle of November, and the clouds had just laid their white blanket on the ground. Every day, when the sun is at its highest, Princess Adalaire enjoys three hours in the castle gardens. Through snow, rain, sun, or wind, Adalaire will spend three hours in the castle gardens. The knights each had theories as to the source of Adalaire’s determination–consistency, spite, adoration–not one was correct.
“She’s late” Jules huffed as he, Viktor, and Kyno waited outside her quarters. “She’s never late.”
“Aw, are you annoyed or concerned?” Kyno snickered.
“A man can be both simultaneously” Jules rolled his eyes, “If something happens to her, the king’ll have our heads.”
“Ha!” Viktor laughed, “That’d be an improvement for you, mate.” The door opened slowly.
“Apologies, were you waiting long?” Princess Adalaire smiled. The atmosphere changed around them. If it were thick, it would now be thin as silk. However, it was never thick, for the mere idea of the princess’s presence could soften even the hardest of souls.
“Not long enough.” Kyno held his arm out.
“You’re atrocious, you know that?” Adalaire wrapped her gentle hands around his arm, “How’s the weather today?”
“Cold, quite dismal,” Viktor sighed. “And the entire garden’s been doused in a thick, white paint.”
“Perfect.” Adalaire smiled. “Is my sweet cousin Lumine joining us today?”
“Cousin Lumine, yes.” Jules smiled, “But we couldn’t find the ‘sweet’ one.”
“Oh, hush.” Adalaire smacked his shoulder plate, “She has a very feminine, gentle soul–much like a graceful cat.”
“She certainly has the claws of one.” Kyno huffed. As soon as Kyno spoke, as if it were a summoned incantation, Lady Lumine pounced in front of them, landing threateningly at their feet.
“Good gracious, woman!” Jules released his sword, “Are you trying to get yourself killed?”
“Ha!” Lumine snorted, “If I truly had a death wish, I’d startle much more capable knights” Kyno, Viktor, and Adalaire laughed–with Adalaire laughing a bit too hard for the knights’ liking.
“What’s that on your face?” Vikor’s voice suddenly hardened. He pointed to some tiny, purple lines icing the outer corners and lower line of Lumine’s eyes.
“Paint,” Lumine said.
“I don’t like it” Viktor scoffed, “It’s not natural”
“Then don’t wear it,” Lumine smiled.
“I do admire your confidence, Lumine,” Adalaire smiled, sweetly, “I’d much like to be as…creative as you are.”
“There isn’t anything stopping you.” The atmosphere thickened.
“Perchance.”
Ellen Batty 