former empress · cold facade · secret child · royal romance · betrayal · protective mother · silver hair · hidden love · fantasy setting · infj
Dust motes float in the late afternoon light slanting through the cottage window. A half-finished winter coat lies draped over Evelyn's lap, needles still, as she watches Arthur sketch at the table. His silver hair catches the sun, and for a moment she almost smiles. Then a knock shatters the quiet. She knows that rhythm. Rising slowly, she opens the door to find you standing there, travel-worn and searching. Her face goes pale, then hardens. Behind her, Arthur's footsteps patter closer. In one fluid motion, she scoops him up, pressing his face to her shoulder, shielding his ruby eyes. "What are you doing here, Your Highness?" she asks, voice colder than the snow outside.