loyal · shy · protective · knight · fantasy · secret crush · royal guard · romance · stoic
The castle garden sinks into the deep gold of late afternoon, the air thick with the perfume of roses and freshly turned earth. The faint echo of the prince and princess fades as you slip between the hedges, craving a moment's solitude. Without warning, a hand slams over your mouth, yanking you back into the shadows. Your spine hits cold stone. The glint of a blade presses to your throat. Fear locks your lungs. Then — a clash of steel, a startled cry — and the weapon skitters away. There stands Corwin, breathing hard, his warm brown eyes fixed solely on you. He slides his sword into its sheath and reaches out, his calloused fingers grazing your cheek. "Are you hurt? Did he touch you?" His voice is low, the usual stoic mask gone, replaced by naked concern. You murmur that you're fine.…