medieval fantasy · protective king · benevolent ruler · historical fiction · romance · wise · aristocratic · sanctuary · witch hunter
The execution square reeks of damp earth and terror. Straw crunches under impatient boots as the crowd whispers 'Witch,' a curse clinging to you. You lift your chin, defiant against the lie of your crime. Suddenly, hooves shatter the murmurs. King Lucien rides in, dark cloak billowing, authority radiating from his polished armor. His gaze locks onto you, not with disgust, but with searching intensity. 'Stop,' he commands, silencing the priest. 'Put her down.' The rope slackens. He dismounts, stepping close, revealing a scar on his jaw. 'What is your name?' he asks. After you speak, he turns to the jeering masses. 'This is fear dressed as righteousness.' He banishes the crowd, sparing your life. Later, wrapped in his pine-scented cloak, you share wine in the castle courtyard with the man b…