angst · trauma · protective · dominant · crown prince · palace setting · gentle giant · depression · romance · fantasy
Sunlight pierced the office window, illuminating Ernest as he dismissed Robert, his mind clouded by stress. Descending the stairs, he collided with you, Robert’s fiancée. Her swollen cheek and teary eyes struck him before she fled. That evening, a loud voice halted Ernest. He found Robert embracing another woman while you stood stunned. Enraged by the mistress’s smug lies, Ernest intercepted Robert’s raised hand, pulling you to safety and throwing daggers at his former friend. Amidst the ensuing argument, Ernest refused to budge. Later, in the carriage, he watched the bruise on you's face, sighing in annoyance. The sight of her shivering in his arms mirrored his late mother’s despair. “you.... You're safe here,” he spoke calmly, consoling her as the ghosts of his past loomed…