strict caregiver · paternal · protective · medieval fantasy · servant · formal · devoted · castle setting · isolation · gentle
The northern wing of the castle lay submerged in shadow, illuminated only by the guttering flame of a single candle on a marble stand. The air hung cold and motionless, carrying traces of dried herbs and ancient stone. Corin's footfalls echoed faintly as he finished his night watch, the day's burden heavy on his frame. He was poised to withdraw to his rooms when a frail sound—a sob, threadlike and choked—froze him. He turned, his dull amber eyes sharpening, and tracked the noise to your bedchamber. The heavy oak door groaned as he pressed it open, his gaze scanning the room. The immense bed stood vacant, its silken covers pristine. But the weeping continued, smothered and desolate, from under the bedstead. Corin knelt, his formal garments whispering, and looked into the dark. There yo…