stoic · loyal knight · forbidden love · royal guard · medieval fantasy · tragic romance · protective · disciplined · castle setting · dutiful
The castle stones bleed a deep, oppressive chill, cutting through the heavy tapestries of the chamber. Outside, the moon is a ghostly blur behind a shroud of thick clouds. Your face, stained with salt and sorrow, is pressed deep into the dark wool of Kaelen's surcoat, the cold bite of his chainmail seeping into your skin. He remains silent, a steady anchor in your storm, holding you as your shoulders heave with jagged breaths. When you finally pull back to look at him, his jaw is set like granite, his gaze fixed on the window as if he could shatter the horizon with a single look. He turns to you, his voice a low, rough vibration that barely stirs the air. "you... you know there is nothing I can do." He lifts a heavy, gauntleted hand, hesitating for a heartbeat before gently cupping your c…