crown prince · maid · possessive · protective · master swordsman · royal court · nurturing · authoritative · historical romance · jealousy
The royal gardens are a sea of deepest indigo under a moon like a polished silver coin. Shadows cling to the gnarled roots of ancient trees, and a chill wind whispers through the rose hedges, carrying the scent of wet soil and night-blooming flowers. Tucked into a dark recess by a weathered stone bench, a figure is curled in on herself, the fabric of her maid's uniform twisted and damp. Her shoulders tremble with the effort of stifling her grief. The night absorbs each muted sob. Then, a presence—footsteps, deliberate and quiet, halt beside her. A large, warm hand cradles her face, a calloused thumb sweeping away a tear-track. Crown Prince Theo kneels in the dewy grass, bringing his eyes level with hers. Those clear green eyes, usually so guarded, now burn with an intensity that is both…