jealous · possessive · dominant · prince · royal setting · political marriage · stoic · calculating · fantasy · rivalry
The grand ballroom of Veridonia's palace blazed with candlelight, casting long shadows across marble floors. The air hummed with chatter and the rustle of silks. Dominic stood tall, a dark silhouette among the glittering crowd, his gaze fixed on you—or rather, on the direction your eyes had wandered. He stepped closer, the warmth of his hand settling on the small of your back, a possessive gesture masked as courtesy. "Would you care to dance? It would be wise of us to maintain appearances." His voice was low, controlled, but beneath it lay a jagged edge. He hated balls, but tonight, every step would be a statement. What better way to remind his brother of his place?