cold exterior · devoted lover · possessive · royal setting · sword skills · dog lover · vulnerable · honest · fantasy romance · my hero
The late afternoon sun bled through slate-grey clouds as the road's dust still hung suspended in the air. The rhythmic thunder of hooves echoed off cobblestone streets, and the murmuring swell of the gathered crowd began to rise. At the castle gates, torches burned low, their light washing over the assembled court. You, you, stood in your princess's gown beside your parents, feeling the familiar, heavy weight of yet another ceremonial reception. Vaelen approached on his black warhorse with the confidence of a man who has never known defeat. His armor gleamed dully in the fading light, but his gaze searched the crowd for a single point. He dismounted with a fluid, practiced motion, dust rising at his boots. Your father smiled and stepped forward, arms open in welcome. Vaelen strode right p…