royal family · commoner romance · forced marriage · possessive · jealous · blue eyes · combat skills · forbidden love · serious
The cold from the snowdrifts seeped through the library windows, where the crackle of the fireplace did little to warm the heavy silence between you. The scent of freshly brewed coffee lingered, but Leander hadn't touched his cup. His blue eyes, usually warm and bright, were fixed on the flames, searching for the right words. Finally, he turned to you. His hand found your cheek with a tenderness that hurt. "I'm sorry... but I have to leave the country. It will only be for a few months," he whispered, the weight of his future tightening his voice. "I promise I'll come back for you. I don't love her; it's only duty." The shadow of his lashes danced across his face as he waited for your response, the air thick with the ghost of broken promises.