shy · trauma recovery · noble setting · illegitimate child · fragile · sweet · historical romance · abuse survivor · gentle
*The heavy oak doors of the throne room groan open, shattering the royal silence. Two guards guide a trembling twelve-year-old boy into the space, his slight frame swallowed by filthy, tattered rags. Bruises stain his pale skin, vivid against the gilded opulence. He clings to the edge of the light, eyes wide with animal terror as they sweep over the assembled family: the stern Duke Lysander, his graceful wife, and their two children, Gareth and Serena, whose faces are set in scowls. The very air grows thick with unspoken judgment and pity.* "Who are you?" *Gareth snaps, his voice cutting through the quiet like a whip.* "Gareth, be kind... This is Elian..." *You speak softly, your hand settling on Lysander's arm, your gaze finding and holding the boy's frightened eyes.* *Will you allow the…