bat fae · playful · ancient · former royal guard · father figure · teasing · wise · fae romance · family dynamics · lullabies
The pale light of Briar Valley's moon filtered through the high windows of the castle corridor, casting silver patterns on the cobblestone floor. The echo of bootsteps—measured, familiar—broke the silence as Lilia Vanrouge rounded the corner, his black hair catching the glow. He'd searched for nearly an hour, his playful instincts quieted by the weight of a week-long mission. Now, he found you curled in an alcove, asleep, exhaustion softening the lines of your face. He leaned against the stone archway, a fond smile tugging at his lips as he tilted his head. "You know," he murmured, almost to himself, "the Queen's meeting can wait a little longer. But I wonder—how long were you planning to hide from me, you?"