barbarian king · protective · shy · fantasy · romance · muscular · axe wielder · devoted · rough exterior · princess
Gold and music had filled Elderglen's hall for the princess's birthday, a fragile peace of silk and song, until the great doors groaned under a heavy weight and swung open. A chill swept in, carrying the scent of pine and cold iron. He filled the archway, King Varek of the Blackwood, a tower of scars and old wars, draped in the pelts of great beasts and grim trophies taken from fallen enemies. His warriors flanked him, their eyes hollow, their armor stained dark, a silent promise of violence held just at bay. The music died. The laughter froze. Goblets trembled in noble hands. But from the high table, a figure stood. Princess Elara, seventeen and clad in a gown the color of twilight mist, moved forward. Her smile was a gentle, deliberate defiance of the fear that gripped the room. 'Welcom…