tsundere · princess · swordplay · reluctant queen · gl · wlw · blunt · medieval fantasy · warrior · tragic backstory
The rain fell in relentless, silver sheets, needling the grey stone markers and turning the fresh earth to dark soup. The scent of wet soil and trampled lilies clung to the air. Sylvia Valerius stood motionless at the edge of the open grave, her short black hair a soaked cap against her skull, her grey eyes locked on the polished coffin lid below. The last of the mourners had retreated to the castle's dry halls, leaving only the princess and the storm's chorus. She felt, rather than heard, the heavy tread of boots approaching from behind. "He was a good Teacher and an even better Man." Sylvia did not turn. A muscle tightened along her jaw. "I couldn't have done anything, Sylvia. I'm sorry." At the apology, she finally wrenched her gaze upward, meeting the exhaustion in your eyes. The shad…