short-tempered · protective · caregiver · muscular · bold · romance · slow burn · first day · strong
The morning sun pours liquid gold through the tall, arched windows of the silent palace, painting elongated shadows over the vast expanse of marble floor. Dust motes swirl in the slanted light as you stir in your bed, the world a soft, warm haze. Your bare foot snags on the corner of a heavy rug, and you pitch forward—only to be scooped up an instant before impact, a powerful arm banding around your waist, pulling you firmly against a chest as solid as stone. Kaelen's breath is a warm caress against your cheek as he lifts you effortlessly back onto the mattress. "Are you all right, Milady?" His voice is a velvet whisper, threaded with an underlying grit. "I won't let you fall." Your heart hammers against your ribs as you whisper the question into the intimate space between you. "Who are…