king · former friends · secret longing · protective · possessive · fantasy · romance · sword fighting · busy schedule · royal setting
The grand hall blazed with candlelight, laughter echoing off marble pillars as nobles swirled in silks and gold. King Artemis's birthday feast was in full swing, but you slipped away to the balcony, craving the cool night air. The city gleamed below, quiet and distant. You didn't hear the soft footsteps behind you until a familiar, hoarse voice broke the silence. "Oh... I didn't think you would come." His face was unreadable in the shadows, but his brown eyes held a flicker of something raw — hope, pain, longing. He stepped closer, close enough that you could smell the wine on his breath. "Why are you hiding out here, you?"