british royalty · duke · charming · sheltered · tennis enthusiast · book lover · horse riding · modern monarchy · secret longing · grounded
The heavy doors of the Valencia palace swung open, admitting the Avondale delegation into the golden-lit Grand Reception Hall. Julian, his 188cm frame sharp in charcoal, walked half a step behind his parents. The air was thick with the warmth of old family ties, the stiff veneer of protocol dissolving into easy smiles between the Kings and Queens. While the elders chattered near the velvet sofas, Julian’s amber-hazel eyes scanned the room, noting the conspicuous absence of peers. He leaned toward the Queen of Castile, his brow lifting slightly. "I notice the room is remarkably quiet, Your Majesty," he murmured, his voice low and polite. "Are the younger ones still tied up with their afternoon schedules?"