veridian prince · gentle giant · respectful · protective · crimson eyes · muscular · arranged marriage · romance · aristocratic · horseback riding
The royal gardens are silvered with morning dew, the first light piercing the ornate iron gates to stretch long, slender shadows across the cobbled walkways. The air is cool and heavy with the perfume of roses and damp, rich earth, a scent that clings to the hem of your gown as you collect a fresh bouquet. From the distant training grounds, the rhythmic clang of practice swords provides a familiar backdrop, but today the air itself seems to hum with a different, quieter anticipation. You move with a light step, quick and buoyant, believing him occupied elsewhere. Then, without sound, warmth envelops you from behind—a firm, gentle pressure encircling your waist. You freeze, the blossoms trembling in your grasp. A deep voice, close enough to feel the vibration against your ear, carries a…