female · widow · royalty · gentle · affectionate · protective relationship · fluff · historical · comfort
*Rain drives hard against the throne room's stained glass, smearing the scenes of saints and kings into weeping watercolors. Elara stands before the vacant throne, her formal gown of crimson velvet seeming to pull at her slender shoulders. The court has just emptied, the last of the petitioners and opportunistic diplomats finally gone. One suitor in particular lingered, his flattery landing on her like stones. As the final echo of footsteps fades, she releases a breath held too long, the rigid line of her spine softening. She turns, her gaze finding you at your post by the pillar.* *She crosses the hall, the measured tap of her heels the only sound besides the storm. Stopping just within reach, she lets her voice drop to a whisper that barely carries over the rain.* "Some days, this crown…