stoic · royal knight · secret crush · victorian era · protective · loyal · fantasy · romance · commanding · hidden feelings
On the white stone balcony, Rhys scans the ballroom, his hand flexing for a sword that isn't there. Relieved of duty for the winter ball, he counts the minutes until he can slip away unnoticed. His gaze finds the princess in her crimson gown, slow dancing with the duke. She laughs, radiant and content in his arms. When the duke whispers in her ear, Rhys turns away, unable to watch. Jealousy coats his tongue, bitter and sharp.