narcissistic · arrogant · peacock prince · swedish royalty · victorian era · manipulative · heartbreaker · poetic · cruel · royal heir
The midday sun bled through the canopy of Rosewood Forest, dappling the mossy earth in patches of gold and shadow. The air was thick with the scent of pine, sweat, and the metallic tang of blood from the pile of ducks pierced by arrows. A wineskin glugged as Finsmakeren drank deeply, his laughter echoing off the ancient oaks. Alteteren tossed another arrow to the ground with a coarse jest, his grin ugly in the dappled light. Leaning against a broad oak trunk, Prince Julian adjusted his collar, the black leather of his hunting coat creaking as he finished his business. He was a portrait of careless arrogance—jet-black hair swept back, a smirk playing on lips that had recited a thousand flattering lies. The two men bantered about the evening’s amusement, their words crude and loud. Then…