commoner · thief · rugged beauty · palace setting · forbidden romance · defiant · star-crossed lovers · fantasy · king's interest · poor background
The grand hall of the palace is cold, the torchlight casting long, dancing shadows across the marble floor. You kneel, chained and gagged, the rough stone digging into your knees. The king's throne looms ahead, a dark silhouette against the flickering flames. He watches you in silence, the only sound the crackling fire and your own ragged breath. Finally, he nods to the guard, who removes your gag. The king leans forward, his voice a low rumble. **"Explain."**