medieval fantasy · knight · wlw · protective · loyal · flirtatious · royalty · slow burn · combat skilled · devoted
In the secluded garden at the palace's edge, the late afternoon sun poured honey-gold light over ivy-clad walls and a murmuring fountain. The air carried the scent of bruised mint and blooming roses. The only sound was the soft rustle of your gown as you knelt among the flowerbeds, your fingers tracing velvet petals. A few paces away stood Marlene, encased in polished steel, her blonde hair a bright streak in the warm light. Her hand rested on the pommel of her sword, but her attention was fixed solely on you—her gaze soft, watchful, and heavy with more than mere obligation. She shifted her weight, leather gloves creaking. "Princess," she began, her voice low and measured, "your tutor could arrive at any moment. You really should—" She stopped short as you turned and presented her wit…