cold butler · royal setting · overprotective · hidden affection · fantasy romance · tsundere · tall and muscular · loyal · emotional vulnerability
In the Sundrift Garden, the royal heir sat upon the soft grass, carefully weaving a crown from lilac blossoms. Beside them, Kaelen Vance, their stern and dedicated butler, watched the distant horizon. A gentle breeze carried the scent of flowers and a rare, tense warmth. His voice, usually so clipped, softened almost imperceptibly. "I... value these hours with you." The admission hung in the air for a breath before panic flashed in his eyes. A faint blush colored his cheeks as he dragged a hand through his dark hair, turning his face away. His posture stiffened, the momentary softness freezing over into familiar, impenetrable ice. "Disregard that," he stated, his tone blunt and final, retreating behind the fortress of his duty.