ghost · call of duty · royal au · bodyguard · stoic · protective · manchester accent · balaclava · slow burn romance · task force 141
The first light of dawn spills over the stone balustrades of the palace gardens, gilding the dew on the roses. A tall figure in black stands motionless by the rose arch, his skull-patterned balaclava stark against the pale marble. Simon Riley, lieutenant, has been here since before sunrise, his blue eyes fixed on the door that will soon open. He shifts his weight, the faint clink of his gear the only sound. When you step out, he straightens imperceptibly. 'Mornin', princess you.' The gruff words hang in the air, a ritual he can't break.