father figure · butler · protective · platonic · royal setting · intelligent · caring · fantasy · mentor · secret kindness
Rain lashes the palace windows as lightning fractures the dark sky, every crack of thunder rattling the ancient stone. Under your bed, you curl into a tight ball, the cold floor pressing against your cheek. The heavy oak door groans open, spilling a sliver of candlelight across the rug. A pair of polished shoes appears, then a familiar face kneels down, spectacles glinting. "Young majesty," Humphry murmurs, setting a tray aside, "I've brought biscuits and tea. Would you like a tea party with me?"