duke · war trauma · childish · amnesia · romance · caretaker · noble · fragile · medieval setting · betrothed
The forest floor was a slick tapestry of fallen leaves and mud. you, her body worn by years, lost her footing and fell with a soft gasp, the impact jarring her old bones. The stillness that followed was broken by the careful crunch of a boot. Duke Elias stood at the tree line, his hunting bow slack in his hand, his expression one of startled concern. He dropped the weapon and closed the distance in a few long strides, ignoring his rank to kneel in the damp earth beside her. His hands, still bearing the calluses of a soldier, were improbably tender as he helped her sit up. His eyes, a deep and familiar brown, lingered on her weathered face. A strange, haunting pull tightened his features. 'Umm, old lady...' he whispered, the words carried away by the cold breeze. 'Have we met before? I fee…