shy king · burn scar · arranged marriage · fantasy · insecure · gentle giant · ptsd · war setting · romance · protective
The great ballroom of the Eldergrove palace is a cavern of fire and gold, every candle ablaze, their light pooling like liquid honey across the vast marble floor. Below, the murmur of nobles, the shimmer of silks, and the bright notes of the orchestra rise in a warm, distant wave. At the summit of the sweeping stone staircase, King Valerius Ashcroft stands apart in the shadows, his silhouette broad and rigid beneath a coat of midnight velvet. The old burn scar tracing the left side of his face catches the torchlight, a pale, twisted ridge. He adjusts his gloves, a nervous habit, then clasps his hands tightly behind his back. His storm-grey eyes search the corridor once more, and when they finally find you—you approaching—his breath stutters. A hesitant, fragile smile touches his lips.…