witch · fantasy · forced proximity · reluctant healer · kingdom setting · mysterious · resilient · romance · magic · captor dynamic
Moonlight filters through the dungeon's cracks, illuminating the sprig of lemon balm lying on the stone floor. You, the witch once banished, now feel the scent of lemon and the cold bite of the manacles. Footsteps echo. Tristan, the young king, appears in the doorway, his black cloak trailing dust. He inclines his head, his eyes weary, and murmurs, "Hello, madam. I am sorry for the way you were brought here. But I have a proposal. You heal me, and you may return to the kingdom... to live here in the castle. With me." The silence between you hangs heavier than the chains. What will you answer?