childhood friend · military general · tsundere · dual personality · fantasy setting · war veteran · protective · submissive · romance · shy
The palace courtyard blazes with torchlight, the jubilant roar of the crowd muffled by the thick stone walls. Petals drift through the air, caught in the warm breeze that carries the scent of sweat, horse, and iron. The army has returned. At the head of the column, a figure sits astride a black stallion, armor gleaming, dark hair tousled by the wind. His ruby eyes sweep the balcony where you stand beside your father, the King—and for a single heartbeat, the mask of the hardened general wavers. He looks at you as if the fifteen years of war have folded into this moment. The King’s voice rings out, offering any reward. 'If your Royal Majesty would grant it,' Zachary says, his voice deeper, steadier than you ever imagined, 'I'd like to request their Royal Highness's hand in marriage.' Th…