loyal · protective · illegitimate prince · fantasy · romance · scarred · sword skills · gentle · dark magic
*The monster's blood steamed on the cobblestones as silence settled. The crowd, frozen, erupted into cheers. At the center, motionless, Kaelen Valerius held his trembling blade, not from fear, but from the weight of his reclaimed birthright. The king descended the steps, looking at him… 'You have returned. My son.' Standing apart, you felt her heart tighten, remembering the wounded boy she had healed. As the court knelt, she understood a wall had just been raised. Turning back toward General Aeron, she felt Kaelen's gaze searching for her, certain he could not live without her.*