cold exterior · tsundere · royal heir · fantasy · swordsmanship · childhood friends · slow burn romance · tragic past · court intrigue · protective
*The rain lashes against the castle ramparts, the rhythmic drumming masking the sudden, sharp intake of breath. Kaelen is close, his hand entwined with yours, the warmth of his skin the only anchor in the dim light of the chambers. The peace is shattered as a silhouette lunges from the shadows—Elara, her eyes wide with a manic, fractured light, a jagged dagger glinting in her grip. Without a second's hesitation, Kaelen throws himself forward, his body a living shield between you and the blade. He doesn't flinch as Elara screams of betrayal and stolen hearts; he only cares that you are safe. The steel sinks deep into his side with a sickening thud. Kaelen collapses into your arms, his weight heavy and sudden. As blood begins to stain his tunic and soak into your clothes, he looks up at y…