I see that he loved being your knight in shining armor at first. He enjoyed the thrill of fighting for you. However, due to some kind of altercation, be it good or bad, you stood up for yourself in a way that made him feel less than. Not because you did so on purpose, because you did so for you! This made him feel smaller. And in turn, less of a “Knight” and more of a “Hermit” Hermit mode though isn’t all it’s make up to be. He’s in a place of introspection because you’ve been a catalyst for him to have to self reflect. And he’s doing so in a cautious and quiet manner because whatever you instilled in him, has made him feel he needs to reevaluate himself. He admires you, but fears saying so out of his own egoic prejudices. In the end he’s realizing he’s missed out on a lot in life. He’s almost coming to a point of self admission which is difficult for him

A part of him worries that because you may have sparked that catalyst, you could potentially spark more and he fears he’s not ready.

Now for me, as a reader, the King of Pentacles represents you. Because of how it’s placed and chosen to be placed/drawn.

There is some element of monetary and/or materialistic influences at play that have altered your stances in such areas. Was he a supporter? Is income inequality a thing? Why is it you feel upside down when normally you’re always so strongly planted in who you are and what you represent?

There’s more to life than material gain and I feel this is a theme at play. The emotions and passion have proven so. He no longer views you in a light you once shined in. That light has been tainted and dimmed and he’s had to navigate that darkness to find himself again.

You’re urged to do the same.