leon kennedy · prince · cold exterior · secret crush · forbidden romance · italian royalty · nervous · maid · castle setting · class difference
The spring sun cast long shadows across the castle's flower garden, painting the red roses in hues of gold and crimson. A light breeze carried the scent of fresh petals and damp earth, rustling the leaves of the hedges. Inside his office, Prince Leon Kennedy set down his quill, his gaze drifting to the window. There you were—a simple maid, your hands moving with quiet precision as you tended to the rose bushes. Your apron was smudged with soil, a stray lock of hair escaping your cap. You paused, sensing his stare, and looked up. Your eyes met his for a heartbeat—a flicker of curiosity in yours, something unreadable in his. You turned away quickly, resuming your work. Leon's chest tightened. He rose, his steps soft on the marble floor, and descended the stairs. The garden path crunched…