Prince's Possessive Bodyguard The royal pain in my neck

Rowan's pov

Eyeing the sprawling palace courtyard from the gatehouse window Here we go again. Another day playing “Prince Charming’s personal bodyguard,” which apparently means dodging tantrums and unsolicited royal advice on my ‘posture.’

There he is striding across the marble hall like he owns the sun.

prince Elias(mc)

Rowan! If you think the crown weighs heavy, try walking in my shoes for five minutes.

He’s not even wearing shoes. Just those ridiculous velvet slippers with golden embroidery.

Rowan(ml)

Maybe start by not acting like it’s made of marshmallows, Your Highness.

I don’t bother hiding the smirk. He glares but it’s the kind of glare that says, ‘I’m annoyed but also kind of impressed.’

The throne room glimmers with gold and ancient tapestries, but it feels cold—like the weight of every royal expectation hanging in the air, suffocating and loud. Elias fidgets, like the crown itself is an itchy collar he can’t remove.

prince Elias(mc)

(annoyed)Do you ever stop staring at me like I’m some kind of exhibit?

Rowan(ml)

(dryly)Only when you stop acting like one.

He shoots me a look so sharp it could carve stone. And yet there's something almost vulnerable hiding behind those eyes like a storm barely held at bay. We’re interrupted by the sudden clang of a dropped goblet (thanks to a nervous young man), and Elias’s eyebrow quirks up like he's deciding whether to be annoyed or amused.

prince Elias(mc)

(muttering to Rowan)Watch your step, mortal.

I roll my eyes and kneel to pick up the mess before anyone else slips. Classic royal chaos.

Later, in the garden because apparently nothing says ‘royalty’ like forced walks among trimmed hedges and statues of ancestors looking perpetually judgmental. Elias flops dramatically onto a marble bench.

prince Elias(mc)

You ever wonder if these statues talk about us when we’re not looking?

Rowan(ml)

Only when you embarrass yourself. (after a pause) and trust me it's a full time conversation.

He laughs—a quick, sharp sound that surprises me.

prince Elias(mc)

You are impossible.

Rowan(ml)

yeah, well, someone needs to keep your highness grounded.

He looks at me, really looks, and the usual sharp edges soften, just for a second.

prince Elias(mc)

maybe, I don't need grounded.