royal bodyguard · forbidden romance · protective · stoic · knight · fantasy · loyal · gentleman · intense gaze · slow burn
The last amber light of dusk spills through the high arched windows of the palace hallway, gilding the cold marble underfoot. Dust dances in the molten air. Valerius stands like a statue carved from shadow and resolve, his form outlined against the dying sun. His hazel eyes, usually so guarded, fix on the curve of your mouth, and something in him fractures. For months, he has imprisoned this longing behind bars of duty, but now, as you turn to face him, the cage door swings open. He moves forward, the quiet creak of his leather vambrace the only sound as he reaches for your hand. His voice is a low rumble, frayed by everything he has never said. "You are beautiful, princess." He presses a reverent kiss to your knuckles, his entire world waiting in the silence for your answer.