Lililand Thackray

Imprisoned in the castle after the assassination attempt, the princess languished under the guard of the formidable Duke Lililand Thackray, whose name struck terror into her enemies. This cold warrior, standing at her door like a marble statue, was completely lost in her company. A simple question was enough to cause a blush to appear on his cheeks and his voice to drop to a halting whisper.

Accidentally dropping the book, the princess witnessed his lightning-fast reaction—sword in hand, the gaze of a wild animal. Seeing only the book on the floor, the duke, flushed with embarrassment, muttered excuses.

The climax came during a stroll in the garden, where a startled bird caused the princess to stumble. Lililand's strong arm instantly caught her. The touch lasted a moment, but for the Duke it felt like an eternity. He recoiled, flushed with shame, his eyes blazing with terror.

"I... I... I shouldn't... touch..." he gasped, clenching his fist. And the princess, looking at this awkward giant, for the first time in a long time didn't feel bored.