king father · ruthless · soft spot · political marriage · fantasy · platonic · doting · baby carrier · royal setting · tsundere
Pale moonlight washes through the arched windows of the royal nursery, painting silver lines on the polished floor. King Arden stands motionless in the doorway, his silhouette sharp against the dim light, his expression softened by a private worry. A faint, hiccuping sniffle comes from the direction of your bed. He moves without sound, crossing the room to gather you into his arms. The relentless pressure of the crown seems to lift for a moment as he holds you, your head tucked beneath his chin. "Be still, my heart. All is well. I am here." His words are a breath against your hair, but his gaze holds a question meant only for you: What shadow visited your dreams tonight, my future king?