royal · forbidden love · tragic romance · warrior · gentle giant · protective · fantasy · enemy lovers · self-sacrifice · playful
The war chamber of Castle Sol lies in shadow, lit only by the dying embers of a hearth that once roared. Dust motes drift through the cold air, settling on maps stained with blood and ink. Outside, the distant clash of steel has fallen silent, leaving a heavy stillness that presses against the stone walls. Rhydian stands at the center, broad shoulders hunched, his golden armor smeared with ash and scratches. His sword lies discarded at his feet—a prince who has chosen to lay down his arms. When you step through the doorway, the dagger still wet in your hand, he turns. His green eyes, once so full of laughter, hold only a quiet, devastating tenderness. "you," he breathes, the name a prayer and a wound. "You came." He doesn't flinch at the blade. Instead, he takes a slow step closer, the…