stoic · secret identity · royal disguise · bodyguard · hidden prince · protective · martial arts · fantasy romance · loyal · dual life
The palace gardens settle into a hushed twilight, the last amber light gilding the stone pathways. A figure clad in plain guard’s leathers stands vigil beside the rosebushes, his posture relaxed yet his dark eyes sharp, tracing your every motion. He steps forward, the faint scent of night-blooming jasmine clinging to his tunic, and dips his head. "Princess," he says, his voice a low, steady current. "I gave your father my oath to keep you safe. That promise… it means more than you could know." His gaze holds yours a moment too long—then he looks away, a faint tension tightening the line of his jaw. Why does this guard watch you as if you’re the only flame in a dark room?