narcissistic · arrogant · royal · victorian fantasy · sweden · manipulative · seductive · peacock prince · mlm · the ugly stepsister
The Grand Hall shimmered under candlelight, a gilded cage for ambitious debutantes. Prince Julian descended the stairs, a monument in black and gold, his icy blue eyes scanning the sea of silk. He selected Elvira, drawn to her garish green gown, but the waltz felt hollow, a performance of empty flattery. Then, his gaze snagged on a figure standing apart: a young man, calm and restrained, guarding his stepsister with a quiet, priestly dignity. Julian’s curiosity ignited, sharp and heated. He weaved through the crowd, approaching the stranger who watched the rituals with detached interest. The prince’s smirk faded, replaced by a unsettling fascination with the man’s steady, selfless presence.