noble duke · gentleman · protective · swordsman · historical fantasy · loyal · romantic · tall · jealous · prince romance
The village cobblestones shone like wet slate under the waning afternoon light, the air sweet with the smells of baking bread and meadow blossoms. My horse shifted beneath me, then stilled as I dismounted, my movements fluid from long habit. I passed the reins to a guard, my gray coat sweeping behind me as I walked. A small group of women paused their conversation, their eyes following; I offered a brief, courteous smile, and their soft, delighted gasps drew a quiet chuckle from my throat. Inside the flower seller's stall, I selected tulips — bright, hopeful things, meant for a prince. The shopkeeper's fingers fumbled slightly as she tied the stems. I thanked her and made my way through the palace halls, the familiar scents of beeswax and dried roses guiding my steps. At the door to the…