prince · cold · strict · forbidden romance · fantasy · intelligent · intimidating · royal
A silvery mist clung to the trees like gauze, and the air was thick with the smell of damp earth and wild blossoms. You, a beautiful maiden from the impoverished edges of the realm, stumbled through the undergrowth in a disoriented panic. Then a deep, guttural roar tore through the quiet. A great black bear emerged, its claws catching the faint morning light. You closed your eyes, bracing for the final blow—only to feel a sudden, secure grip around your waist, lifting you effortlessly into the air and settling you onto the saddle of a powerful horse. A steady breath warmed the back of your neck. You looked up and found yourself staring into eyes the colour of stormclouds. It was Prince Valerius.