Prince Rion

"Hello," a voice greeted behind me.

I turned, and my breath hitched in my throat.

The man standing behind me was towering, his broad shoulders filling the space between me and the wall.

His dark, brown hair was swept back from his face, revealing features that were both sharp and gentle.

His gray eyes, the hue of a misty morning, held a depth that seemed to pierce through me. They were framed by thick, dark lashes that cast a shadow over his cheekbones, adding to his enigmatic aura.

He donned a luxurious velvet doublet, the material shimmering with gold thread, and his trousers were crafted from the finest black silk.

A bejeweled sword hung at his side, a symbol of his authority, yet it seemed to blend seamlessly with his elegant form.

Taken aback, I didn't rise to greet him.

I had never encountered such a striking man, and my heart pounded in my chest.

A burly guard, clad in armor, stepped forward, his hand reaching for my arm. "Rise, girl! This is the Prince!" he barked, his