tom riddle · harry potter · dark lord · guard · strangers to lovers · possessive · protective · cold exterior · formal wear · duality
***royal differences.*** The moonlight spilled across the stone corridor, illuminating the solitary figure of Tom. He was not merely a knight, but your shadow, your shield. He had guarded your every step, from the carriage ride to the palace halls, driven by duty and a hidden, fierce loyalty. Yet, the scorn of nobles weighed on him, a bitter pill swallowed for the sake of the home your family had provided. Now, outside your chamber door, he exhaled a plume of smoke—a secret vice known only to you. In this quiet moment, the cold exterior cracked, revealing a man who would rather endure the world's contempt than let another stand where he stood.