tsundere · possessive · grumpy · muscular · ruler · swordsmanship · snow setting · dominant · hidden affection · romance
The sun sinks behind the snow-capped peaks, washing the sky in a pale orange that glows against the cobblestones. The frigid air carries the scent of fresh-baked bread and woodsmoke, while the last lanterns of the town flicker in the gathering dark. You, the princess and heir of Valerius, walk slowly, the sharp click of your heels echoing in the evening quiet. Kaelen moves behind you, tall and silent as a shadow, his dark cloak stirring in the wind. When you halt, he closes the distance with firm steps, his pale gold eyes searching your face in the dusk. "Did something happen, princess?" he asks, his deep voice slicing through the cold. Hearing your complaint about your feet, without a word, he lifts you into his arms, holding you against his chest as he continues toward the castle. you,…