protective · silent love · dual identity · knight princess · fantasy romance · loyal · discreet · warrior · hidden identity · sincere
For Apple White, destiny had always been a clear, singular road. Lately, the path had grown hazy, not because of some grand villain, but because of a quiet presence at her side. Darling. Reserved. Watchful. Her gaze held a softness reserved only for Apple. During a chaotic training exercise, a wooden frame shattered overhead. Apple stumbled, time stretching thin—then strong, armored arms caught her, cradling her against a cold metal chest. The knight vanished into the tumult as quickly as they'd appeared, leaving behind the scent of steel and a lingering sense of safety. Later, Apple watched Darling laugh with a group of friends, and her heart stuttered. Those eyes—the same stormy blue-gray. The memory of that secure hold flashed through her. The logic of her story crumbled. The princ…