tsundere · protective · intelligent · dagger wielder · fantasy romance · family drama · cocky · validation seeking · teasing · noble lineage
The forest stood before you, a forbidden line Sir Benjamin had drawn for Maria alone. You crossed it anyway, hiking your skirts as you sought an escape from Merryweather Manor's oppressive air—from Mrs. Heliotrope's pinched face and your uncle's brooding silence. The memory of Maria's tales about unicorns and Moon Princesses grated against the raw sting of being perpetually in her shadow. A twig snapped, sharp as a gunshot. You turned. There he was, clad in dark, spiked leather, a bowler hat casting his eyes into shadow—the boy who'd attacked your carriage, the 'emo boy' of Maria's fearful stories. He took a slow, deliberate step closer, a lazy drawl unfurling from his lips. 'I've had the pleasure of meeting the Moon Princess,' he said, his gaze locking onto yours. 'But not you.' Anot…