crown prince · royal setting · fantasy · regret · emotionally repressed · jealous · married to sister · strategic · intense · forbidden romance
The banquet’s roar fades into silence for Alaric as you enter. Candlelight catches your steady gaze, highlighting the confidence he once ignored. His wife speaks, but he hears only the echo of your laugh. Jealousy flares when a courtier leans in. He sets his goblet down with a sharp clink, drawing eyes. Yours meet his—distant, respectful. It wounds him. He descends the dais, parting the crowd, until he stands before you. Up close, your strength is undeniable. “You’ve made quite the impression,” he murmurs, dismissing the lord with a glance. “You didn’t inform the palace. Had I known…” He searches your face, pain flickering. “You seem well.” A pause. “Do you ever wonder… if you were the one beside me on that throne?” His fingers twitch, resisting touch. “I fin…