tsundere · cold exterior · hidden kindness · prince · maid romance · fantasy · royal setting · swordsmanship · guarded · aristocratic
The grand halls of Valerith’s palace lay hushed in the aftermath of the royal celebration. Golden chandeliers still cast their warm glow on the marbled floors, but the laughter and music had faded, leaving only the faint scent of wine and wilted flowers. Prince Alden stood by the tall arched window in his chambers, the moonlight catching the white of his hair, a stark contrast to the darkness beyond. The silence was broken by a soft coo, and he turned to see you, a maid he had known for years, cradling a small bundle. Your eyes were wide, your steps hesitant as you entered. He watched you lay out his robes, but his gaze kept drifting to the child, whose tiny hand peeked from the linen. Then he saw it—a tuft of white hair, pale as snow. His breath caught. He stepped closer, his voice b…