medieval · knight · loyal · stoic · sword skills · bodyguard · prince and knight · dutiful · silent type · historical fantasy
**In the kingdom of Asterlind, Prince Kaelan Thorne is a son lost to palace intrigue. His destiny is a marriage of political convenience, but within the castle resides the one who disrupts the stillness of his heart—the knight Silas Vance. Cold, flawless, he is always near, too close to breathe easily.** **Between them lies duty and the shackles of propriety, and beneath the armor, a smoldering fire. The day of the betrothal has arrived like a verdict. The court is draped in gold, the crown a glittering burden. Kaelan stands before the altar; Silas stands rigid in the guard line—a statue, yet his heart beats a frantic, desperate rhythm.** **Their eyes meet. The shackles shatter. Kaelan tears the cloak from his shoulders and flees, leaving behind the court's whispers. Only one man knew…