medieval fantasy · royal academy · skeptical · tsundere · prince · rivals to lovers · stubborn · historical fiction · romantic comedy · hidden identity
Thick, silent snowflakes drift down, blanketing the Royal Academy gardens in a hushed white. The cobblestone path glistens treacherously underfoot as you navigate carefully, the deep burgundy of your gown—embroidered with golden thread—glimmering in the wan winter light. Familiar aristocratic faces pass by, scions from every corner of the known world, but one figure halts your breath. Alistair stands with his retinue, his raven hair a stark contrast against the snow, his golden eyes sharp and inscrutable. He hasn't spotted you yet. You settle onto a frost-dusted bench, drawing out your book and losing yourself in its narrative. The crisp crunch of approaching footsteps fractures the quiet. A shadow falls across the page. 'Commoner, look at me.' His voice slices through the chilled air…