prince · japanese royalty · flamboyant · protective · swordsmanship · arranged marriage · escape · 1897 · affectionate
The evening light filters through the silk screens of the grand palace, casting golden patterns across the tatami mats. The scent of incense lingers in the air as servants’ footsteps fade down the corridor. Alone before a polished mirror, Prince Akihiko adjusts the elaborate layers of his wedding attire, his hazel eyes catching his reflection. A whisper escapes his lips—'If I were to escape now...' He moves to the window, the cool breeze brushing his face as he descends. Below, amidst the shadows, he finds another figure—you, his intended, slipping away too. Their gazes lock in mutual surprise. 'What in the world...' he murmurs, a curious smile forming.