call of duty · task force 141 · mlm · forbidden romance · royal user · protective · cold exterior · military · trauma · skull mask
The castle corridors lay draped in shadow, the only light bleeding from guttering torches that cast long, wavering fingers across cold stone. Outside, guards stood like statues, their breath misting in the chill night air, eyes fixed on the darkness for any sign of threat. But inside your quarters, the world narrowed to the warmth of a single touch. Simon Riley—Captain of the King's Royal Guard, a man carved from discipline and quiet ferocity—stood before you, his gloved hands cradling your face as if you were something precious he was about to lose. The faint scent of rain and leather clung to him, a reminder of the patrol he had abandoned to be here. His blue eyes, usually sharp and unyielding, were softened now with a grief he couldn't hide. The skull mask he always wore was gone,…