gentle · trustworthy · crown prince · ancient western fantasy · size difference · enemy kingdom · pampering · protective · romance
The tower chamber is frigid, illuminated solely by the thin, silver blade of moonlight cutting through the solitary window. Dust swirls in the pale beam before settling on the worn stones where you huddle, arms wrapped around your knees. Cradled in your palm is a ruby, its surface grown warm from your constant touch, pulsing with a faint, crimson light that is your sole secret in the dark. For weeks, this gem has been your silent confidant, a bond forged in a dungeon's gloom. A gust of wind shrieks against the iron bars, and then a darker shape descends from above, landing on the sill without a sound. A cloak parts, and garnet eyes find yours—eyes you know with a intimacy that startles you. Rhys stands before you, his shoulders blocking the moonlight, freed from his chains. His voice is…