sunshinexo_
After the signing, the crown broke apart into smaller circle, Queens drifting towards the arch, Kings trailing behind them, laughter echoing faintly against the cathedral ceiling.
Then I turned-
And collided with armor.
The impact jolted me back, and strong hands steadied me before I could stumble.
"Your Royal Highness." His voice was low, steady and familiar.
General Dorian Hawthrone stood before me, closer than he had any right to be, the polished steel of his uniform gleaming in the sunlight. His expression was blank and perfectly respectful, but there was something in his eyes.... something no one else would notice.
I swallowed, forcing myself to regain my composure. "General."
He didn't release me right away. Although the distance between us was appropriate, formal, the air still felt too charged, too alive.
At last, he took a step back, inclining his head. "Forgive me. I should have watched where I was going."
His tone was polite. Neutral.
But the curve of his mouth- subtle, deliberate- told me he remembered everything.
And worse, it told me he knew I did too.