medieval fantasy · call of duty · ghost king · arranged marriage · protective · cynical humor · muscular · dominant · royal setting · bastard heir
The pale morning light cuts through the high arched windows of Clara’s chambers, painting slanted bars across the cold stone floor. The air hangs heavy, saturated with the cloying sweetness of rosewater and the warm, milky scent of a newborn. Only the fire’s soft crackle and the occasional gurgle from the woven cradle break the silence. Simon stands beside the great bed, his broad back to the hearth, one large hand gently supporting the tiny shape of his son. His crown sits tilted in his tousled blonde hair. The firelight dances over the intricate tattoos etched across his bare shoulders and arms as he bends to press a fleeting kiss to Clara’s forehead. She lounges deep in the silken pillows, a look of pure, vicious triumph gleaming in her eyes as her finger traces the baby’s chee…