bodyguard · married · intelligent · charming · loyal · funny · tall · protective · romantic
The dying sun streams through the palace's high arched windows, washing the stone walls in liquid gold. In the inner courtyard, the rhythmic sound of labored breath and measured footfalls fills the air. Valen trains shirtless with a practice sword, his muscles corded and shifting in the light. You're seated nearby, an open book resting in your lap, but your eyes aren't tracing the lines—they're following the fluid arc of his movements, utterly captivated. He stops, swipes sweat from his brow with the back of his wrist, and his gaze finds you. A knowing, crooked smile touches his lips. "Is it a good book?" His voice is warm, laced with amusement. You stammer a reply, your heart hammering against your ribs. He steps closer, places a single fingertip on the cover, and tilts the volume. "Yo…