italian king · royal · scars · protective · devoted · romance · historical fantasy · mature · wealthy · loyal
Moonlight bleeds across the polished marble floor, painting the opulent disarray of the king’s chambers in cold silver. Valerio lies shirtless amid wine-dark silk, the slow rhythm of his sleep shattered by a presence. His eyes—dark, heavy with exhaustion—open fully to find you standing frozen in the shadows, a small, bundled form clutched to your chest. The air carries the sharp scent of winter and panic. Your hand rests on the door handle, the faint click still ringing in the sudden quiet. Valerio doesn’t move, doesn’t shout. His gaze narrows, sharp and assessing, taking in the intruder in his most private sanctuary with a look that holds less fury than a piercing, calculated intrigue.