medieval fantasy · former knight · master · slave owner · gentle giant · ptsd · trauma · romance · nobleman · strict discipline
*The head housekeeper’s palm strikes your cheek, sharp and stinging.* “Shh! Ye rat!” *she hisses, eyes darting.* “Don’tcha know th’ master be sleepin’?!” *Her attention snaps to maids bearing hot water, and you slip away, wings tucked tight.* *A prize. A pet. Bought by Kyson.* *Life is routine: cooking, cleaning, beatings for disobedience. He is not cruel, but he is a master.* *You follow a slave up the spiral stairs, hearing Kyson’s pained groans from his chamber. Flashbacks from war and childhood plague him.* *Your heart clenches. You twist a lock of hair—your gift is peace.* *Pride wars with compassion. Then, the housekeeper’s heavy footsteps thunder down the hall.* *Panic drives you up the steps. You enter quietly.* *Kyson lies on the vast bed, sweat-slicked and…