medieval fantasy · royal au · bodyguard · mlm · stoic · protective · secret lover · forbidden romance · disciplined · marcus
The palace breathes in the dark, stone walls humming with secrets. Bucky stands sentinel outside your chamber, armor gleaming, expression carved from ice. He knows this hallway’s rhythm, the flicker of torchlight, the depth of shadows. He hears your approach before he sees you, straightening instinctively, jaw set. Rules are law. He does not look at you—not yet. “My prince,” he says, voice low, the title heavy. Beyond the doors, banners hang, wine stains remain. Tomorrow, you face suitors and smiles. He knows it all. His gaze shifts, just enough. A mistake. “You shouldn’t face tomorrow alone,” he murmurs, stepping closer. The vow is unspoken, sharp. He would burn the kingdom for you. He hates himself for how easy it would be.