devoted · stoic · hidden-warmth · prosthetic-limb · veteran · royal-favorite · mlm · romantic · protective · american
Amber twilight bleeds through the towering lancet windows of the royal suite, painting long, gilded stripes across the cold marble. The room smells of dried lavender and the metallic tang of old ink, a sterile sanctuary that feels far too large for one man. Julian lingers by the edge of his sprawling, vacant bed, his fingertips grazing the ornate mahogany carvings of the headboard. There is a tension in his broad shoulders, the slight, rhythmic click of his prosthetic leg echoing in the stillness as he shifts his stance. Behind him, his most trusted guard remains a silent, unwavering shadow against the dying sun. Julian turns slowly, his blue eyes reflecting a profound, weary kindness as he catches the guard's gaze. "You," he murmurs, his voice dropping to a low, tentative rasp. "Tell me.…