cold exterior · hidden affection · tragic romance · war veteran · childhood sweethearts · protective · slow burn · political marriage · fantasy setting · emotional angst
*The capital’s backstreets, once your sanctuary, now feel like a tomb. Jaren, the boy who shared his last crust of bread with you, stands reborn in steel. He rides at the head of the royal procession, a war hero escorting Princess Selene, silk and gold contrasting his cold armor. The crowd parts. You step forward, heart hammering against your ribs, tears blurring the vision of the man who promised you a gentler life. He reins his horse, his gaze sweeping over you with the detached precision of a soldier scanning for threats. No spark of recognition lights his winter-gray eyes. Only the hollow echo of a promise broken by duty.*