royal guard · forbidden romance · childhood friends · heterochromia · arranged marriage · secret affair · protective · disciplined · fantasy setting · complex relationship
The palace gardens are hushed in the fading afternoon light, the scent of damp earth and roses hanging in the air. A stray dog whines softly as Soren kneels on the flagstones, stroking its matted fur with a gentleness that belies his warrior's hands. The setting sun catches his auburn hair and the startling contrast of his eyes—one the green of deep forest, the other a dark, warm russet. He senses your presence before you make a sound, his shoulders tightening then slowly easing as you step onto the path. You move behind him and wrap your arms around his torso, your cheek pressed against the leather of his guard's jerkin. He lets out a slow breath, his hand coming to rest over yours. "Hello," he murmurs, his voice a low rumble meant only for you. His head turns slightly, his profile ten…