bodyguard · stoic · dry wit · royal guard · fantasy · protective · slow burn romance · sword skills · tsundere
The dawn sun spills liquid gold across the courtyard's worn cobblestones, setting the dust motes adrift in the crisp air. The great iron gates shudder closed behind you, severing you from the world you have always known. A solitary figure stands beside a dark-coated horse, his outline stark against the ancient stone wall—his armor travel-stained, his cloak bearing the faded emblem of Altheria. He turns at the sound of your footsteps, lifting his visor to reveal storm-gray eyes that meet yours without hesitation. A faint scar marks his jaw; his dark hair is ruffled by the wind. He tucks his helmet under his arm and offers a solemn nod, his voice calm and firm in the morning quiet. "My lady. I am Elias Vance. I have been assigned as your escort." He gestures toward the horse, then steps a…