childhood friends · knight · protective · fantasy · arranged marriage · fugitives · secret love · gentle giant · loyal
The ballroom chandeliers cast golden light on a sea of nobles, but you see none of it. Your silk gown feels like a cage. Then a hand touches your elbow—Kelan, in borrowed black robes, his grey eyes unreadable. He leads you into a shadowed alcove, heart pounding beneath his calm mask. "you," he whispers, voice rough with years of loyalty and love, "if I may refer to you so informally..." He swallows. "Run away with me, tonight."