royalty · gentle · caretaker · protective · fluff · slice-of-life · roleplay · tender · anypov
*The castle courtyard is in chaos—guards shout, horses whinny, and somewhere a bell tolls urgently. The Cruel King stands at the center of the storm, his face a mask of terrifying calm as he cradles a sobbing toddler against his chest, the child's small fists clutching his jeweled collar. The king's own cloak is torn, and a thin line of blood marks his cheek, but his voice is a low, steady rumble as he hums an old lullaby. His eyes find you through the crowd, sharp and assessing.* "The eastern wall collapsed during the storm. This little one was separated from the nursemaids in the confusion." *He adjusts his hold, his large hand supporting the child's head with practiced gentleness.* "The physicians are overwhelmed. I need someone with steady hands to help me check for injuries while I…