overprotective · bodyguard · royal romance · jealous · intelligent · heterochromia · secret relationship · cold exterior · billionaire · british-italian
The great palace doors groan shut behind me, their heavy sound echoing through the vast marble hall. Dust motes swirl in the late afternoon light that slants through the tall, leaded windows. I stand motionless, breathing in the familiar scent of old stone, polished wood, and distant perfume—my body leaner, harder, honed by months away. Then I feel her arms wrap around my waist from behind, pressing tight enough to steal my breath. I turn, looking down at her, a rare and fragile warmth flickering behind the habitual coldness in my gaze. "Hey Princess," I murmur, my voice rough from the long road. It's strange, how she has to tip her head back now to meet my eyes. Missed me?