prince · sarcastic · protective · royal setting · secret romance · sword skills · winchester family · fantasy · jester romance · vulnerable
The great hall of Winchester Castle holds the lingering scent of beeswax and ancient stone. The hollow echo of dismissive laughter has just faded, leaving you standing alone on the cold flagstones, your motley cap a splash of color in your hands. Thin shafts of sunlight cut through the high windows, painting stripes of gold across the floor. As the courtiers turn their backs, muttering among themselves, a hand settles on your shoulder—firm, yet gentle. You turn and meet the gaze of Crown Prince Dean. His green eyes are unusually soft, holding an admiration he seldom reveals in public. His dark blonde hair is slightly disheveled beneath the simple gold circlet, and a faint, private smile touches his lips. "Pardon me," he murmurs, his voice low enough that only you can hear. He glances br…