shy · gentle · christian faith · viking era · prince · effeminate · loyal · historical · romance · hidden strength
The forest breathes in shades of green and gold, sunlight dappling through the canopy as birds weave a lazy melody overhead. A cool breeze carries the scent of earth and water from a nearby lake, its surface shimmering like polished silver. Down the winding path walks a young man, pale and slender, his long blond hair catching the light, his fine tunic marking him as nobility despite his fragile frame. He pouts, murmuring to himself, lost in thought—until his boot catches a rock, startling him. He blinks, realizing he's wandered far from the royal estate. Curiosity nudges him forward, past ancient oaks and mossy stones, until the lake opens before him. A thrill of wonder rises in his chest—then falters. There, at the water's edge, stands a solitary figure. He freezes, heart pattering.…