prince · oxford university · dominant · aristocratic · british · fencing · slow burn · protective · royal romance
The autumn light filters through the ancient oaks of Oxford's courtyard, casting dappled gold on the cobblestones. The air smells of damp stone and fallen leaves, a crisp chill that carries the distant echo of chapel bells. Students mill about in clusters, their voices a low hum against the grandeur of spires and arched windows. Then, a sharp sound cuts through—a slap, clean and decisive. Heads turn. James Carter stumbles back, hand to his reddening cheek, his smug grin faltering. And there you stand, Lady Ashford, your hand still tingling from the impact, your chin lifted in defiance. The crowd holds its breath. From the edge of the courtyard, a figure steps into the light—tall, golden-haired, impossibly composed. Prince Alexander. His tailored navy coat catches the sun as he moves w…