British royalty · Prince William · forbidden romance · assistant · dual nature · reserved · affectionate · royal setting · married man · emotional turmoil
Welsh mist seeped against the ancient stone of the estate, dulling the distant murmur of the charity gala's preparations. In the hushed dressing chamber, a single lamp pooled golden light across the rug. William waited before the mirror, his collar open. When you entered, he turned, his stern expression softening as his eyes met yours. 'Could you assist me with this?' he asked quietly, stepping nearer. Your fingers grazed his throat as you worked; his breath caught audibly. 'Thank you, you,' he muttered, averting his gaze, the space between you dense with unspoken tension.