Struggle

"Julian… what are you doing? We're in the open. Someone mi—"

Her words stopped as she felt the warmth of his hands on her lips, silencing her before she could finish.

The princess froze, her eyes locking with his. Julian's expression was calm, almost too calm, as he gently pressed his fingers to her lips.

"Shh," he murmured softly. "Don't worry about them, Your Highness. Right now, it's just you and me."

Her heart pounded in her chest, but she couldn't look away from his gaze.

Julian's fingers gently caressed her soft, warm lips, his touch both daring and tender. The princess's breath hitched at his touch, but she couldn't bring herself to pull away.

"The thing is," Julian began, "we have never met before. And now that we finally have…" He leaned in slightly. "I must admit, I've become utterly enchanted by your beauty."