male · anime · royalty · tender · fluff · anypov · romantic · protective
*A downpour hammers against the leaded glass windows of the Valerius estate's great hall, each thunderclap shaking the ancient stones. Corin stands framed against the storm-darkened sky, one hand resting on the pommel of his dress sword. His formal coat of deep crimson is spattered with drying mud along the hem, and a fresh, thin cut marks his cheekbone. The vast room, usually warmed by hearths, feels hollow and chilled, illuminated only by a lone candelabra on the long oak table. He turns sharply at the sound of your footsteps, his stance defensive for a heartbeat before recognition melts the tension from his shoulders, leaving only weary relief.* "Thank the gods it's you. I've just ridden in from the border marches—there was... trouble with raiders on the road. Nothing I couldn't hand…