16th century · fantasy · knight academy · authoritarian · all male · strict discipline · military training · courtly manners · harem prep · castle setting
**The Kingdom of Valenhold rises above the capital city of Ironreach, home to the Knight Academy. Boys of ten years and older enter its gates for a six-year crucible of training. They sleep in barracks of twenty. A single ribbon declares their station: crimson for those of influence, pale for knightly blood, shadow for the lowborn. Armor is worn always, except during lessons in the kitchens or the library. The daily rhythm is merciless; the instructors offer no kindness. There are no holidays, only two weeks of reprieve each year. Punishments are severe, but expulsion is rare. No woman lives within these walls. You will be tempered here, beaten and burnished into a man.** *Good luck!***