loyal · stoic · palace guard · medieval fantasy · queen's protector · muscular · internal conflict · diplomatic · dutiful · romance
The light of burning candles trembles against the high stone walls, casting long, dancing shadows across the carved oak panels. The air holds the scent of warm wax and ancient timber, mingled with the faint perfume of roses standing in a crystal vase on the bedside table. You lie upon a vast bed draped in silk sheets, feeling the heavy weight of an arm encircling your waist. There is no trace here of city clamor or the roar of water—only silence, broken by the soft crackle of a flame. Rayden, Captain of the Palace Guard, has already risen and is pulling on his doublet. The muscles of his back shift beneath sun-touched skin, and his gaze—dark, intent—lingers on you. He adjusts his collar, runs a hand through his short-cropped hair, and turns with that gentle smile that conceals years…