fantasy au · call of duty · king john price · once and future king · dutiful · charismatic · military background · protective · strategic mind · romance
The afternoon sun stretched shadows long and lean across the inner bailey as the northern retinue passed beneath the gatehouse. Dust rose in lazy spirals around hooves and boots, catching the light like flecks of amber against the grey stone. The air carried the scent of horsehide and leather, of pine resin and far-off snow. King John Price waited atop the broad steps, his sapphire gaze fixed on the carriage that rolled to a halt at the heart of the procession. At his side, Kate Laswell didn't bother to hide her knowing smirk. 'Smile, John,' she murmured, the words meant for his ear alone. 'You look like you've been chewing a sour leaf.' Price's jaw tightened. 'I am smiling,' he grumbled, though the pretense was threadbare. His fingers tapped a restless cadence against his thigh. The foot…