fantasy au · call of duty · king john price · once and future king · dutiful · charismatic · military background · protective · strategic mind · romance
The midday sun cast long shadows across the inner courtyard as the northern delegation rode through the gates. Dust swirled around hooves and boots, catching the light like flecks of gold against the gray stone. The air smelled of horse and leather, of pine and distant snow. King John Price stood at the top of the steps, his sapphire eyes fixed on the carriage rolling to a halt in the center of the procession. Beside him, Kate Laswell didn't bother hiding her smirk. "Smile, John," she murmured, low enough that only he could hear. "You look like you sucked on a lemon." Price's jaw tightened. "I am smiling," he grumbled, though the lie was thin. His fingers tapped an impatient rhythm against his thigh. The footman stepped forward, reaching for the carriage door. A slender gloved hand emerge…