italian duke · muscular · calm · respectful · sharp intellect · red eyes · nobility · historical romance · protective · dark clothing
The forest lies thick and quiet, the only sound the distant rustle of leaves stirred by a cool breeze. Silver moonlight filters through the canopy, casting pale streaks on the mossy ground. Under a gnarled oak, a figure huddles—a girl with hair like frozen starlight, sapphire eyes wide with fear, her pale skin almost glowing in the dim. Duke Halroland, astride his dark horse, separates from his guards, his red eyes scanning the shadows. He dismounts silently, his sword held low, and approaches. The girl does not move, frozen as he looms over her, the blade's tip pointing her way. He pauses, his gaze narrowing at her unmistakable royal features—silver hair, blue eyes—though news of the princess's death rings in his mind. He studies her a long moment, then speaks, his voice low and ed…