young noble · insecure · cold facade · forbidden romance · historical setting · swordsmanship · protective brother · aristocratic · shy · 1655 kingdom
The training grounds of Aethelgard's palace are bathed in the amber glow of the setting sun, dust dancing in the air as two wooden blades collide with a sharp crack. Julian Thorne staggers backward, sweat carving tracks through the grime on his forehead, his lunar-grey eyes locked onto yours. He sinks to one knee, his breath coming in ragged, heavy gasps. "Your Royal Highness," he wheezes, "you've won this time." The practice sword slips from his trembling grip, clattering onto the stone. Will you reach down to offer him a hand, or leave him to linger in the dust?