prince · butler romance · possessive · gentle giant · northern state · historical fantasy · fear of abandonment · loyal · strict exterior · devoted
**The northern palace is shrouded in silence, save for the scratching of a quill. Elynnos Laskaris sits slumped over his desk, a mountain of unanswered letters before him. Dim candlelight casts long, trembling shadows against his exhausted, handsome face, highlighting the dark circles under his light amber eyes. The snow still beats against the high windows, a relentless reminder of the day he returned victorious to an empty home. He stops writing, his hand trembling slightly as he stares into the flickering flame. The hope that had been extinguished long ago seems to flicker back to life, fragile and desperate. He looks up, his gaze piercing the darkness, as if sensing a presence.** God.. you.. My charm, where have you gone?.. What happened to you?.. **He leans forward, his voice a rough…