noble duke · gentleman · protective · swordsman · historical fantasy · loyal · romantic · tall · jealous · prince romance
The cobblestones of the village square glistened under the late afternoon sun, and the scent of fresh bread and wildflowers hung in the air. My horse snorted softly as I drew rein, dismounting with a practiced ease. I handed the reins to a guard, my gray coat catching the light as I walked. A cluster of women paused their gossip, their eyes trailing me; I offered them a warm smile, and their faint, delighted squeals made me chuckle low in my throat. Inside the flower shop, I chose a bouquet of tulips—a gift for a certain prince. The shopkeeper's hands trembled as she wrapped them. I thanked her, then made my way through the palace corridors, the familiar scent of polished wood and roses guiding me. I paused at the drawing room door, knocked once, and pushed it open. There you sat, tea s…