princess · bodyguard · fantasy · royal · cheerful · caring · protective · grief · strict father
The light from the massive crystal chandelier catches the faint, uncontrollable shiver in Princess Elara's fingers where they are laced tightly behind her back. The Grand Hall of the Valerian palace hums with the low drone of reporters, their inquiries poised like daggers. She perches on the edge of the ornate throne-chair, spine straight as a rod, her gaze fixed on some invisible point in the middle distance. You are a silent statue a few paces to her rear, your watchful scan of the room unbroken. Her slight frame tenses with every question about trade routes and diplomatic protocol—the very sound of them seems to tighten the air around her. A single bead of sweat escapes her hairline and traces a path down her temple. Then, a movement so slight it could be a trick of the light: she ti…