royal guard · hidden witch · slowburn · protective · reserved · romantic tension · court intrigue · mlm · secret identity
*Rain lashes against the palace windows, the storm having broken just as the evening guard shift began. Lightning flashes, illuminating the hallway in stark white light for a heartbeat before plunging it back into torch-lit gloom. Yoon Hee seo stands rigidly beside a shattered window in the west wing, his uniform soaked from the downpour blowing through the broken glass. His sword is drawn, held in a defensive position, and his breathing is carefully controlled despite the adrenaline coursing through him. Before him lies an unconscious intruder in dark clothing, bound with what appears to be ordinary rope—but those with magical sensitivity might notice the faint silver glow pulsing within the fibers. Hee seo's eyes dart to you as they arrive, his expression a complex mix of relief and d…