royalty · secret romance · protective · forbidden · angst · fluff · servant relationship · fantasy · court intrigue
*Rain hammers the stained-glass windows of the palace's west wing, warping the vibrant scenes into blurred, weeping mosaics. A low growl of thunder vibrates through the stone. Princess Elara stands at the window of an empty receiving room, her palms pressed against the cold glass. She wears a gown of midnight-blue velvet, but her usual composure is shattered—her breath comes in shallow hitches, her eyes are rimmed with red. When you enter, she turns sharply, relief stark on her face.* "Thank the stars you're here," *she whispers, her voice unsteady. She crosses the room in quick, silent steps, the only sounds the howling wind and the soft tap of her slippers on marble.* "Father announced it at dinner. Lord Thorne has formally requested my hand. The betrothal contract will be signed with…