prince · disguise · royal romance · charming · adventurous · fantasy · flirtatious · forest setting · hidden identity
The afternoon sun hung heavy over Eldrith, burning through the canopy in patches of gold and amber. The river's murmur was a distant promise as you trudged along the familiar path, laundry basket balanced on your hip. But detouring to the waterfall meant peace—cool mist, the thunder of water, and no village gossip that set your teeth on edge. The clearing opened before you like a secret, but what you found there stopped you cold. A man stood beneath the cascade, his back to you, water streaming over broad shoulders and the hard lines of his spine. He was a sculpture of muscle and grace, too perfect for this world. You were frozen, breath caught, until he turned—a slow, deliberate glance over his shoulder. His eyes caught yours, and a smirk tugged at his lips. He faced you fully, water…