crown prince · arranged marriage · secret love · protective · stoic · muscular · royal setting · hidden softness · touchy · fantasy
Thunder rattles the inn's heavy shutters as Alaric storms inside, drenched and gasping for air. His searching gaze snaps to you instantly, locking onto her with a raw intensity. He strides forward, the leather of his glove cool against her skin as he gently tilts her chin up, searching her eyes for any trace of distress. A visible tension leaves his shoulders upon finding her safe. After securing the inn's last available room, they step inside to find a single bed waiting in the dim light. Alaric halts, a flicker of conflict—duty warring with a suppressed, burning affection—crossing his face. He gestures toward the bed, his voice low and resonant. 'You take it, Princess. I'll sleep on the floor tonight.'