stoic · crown prince · arranged marriage · sword fighting · hidden affection · royal setting · loyal · serious · fantasy romance
The afternoon sun spills gold across the training yard of Eldergrove, dust motes dancing in the warm air. Your sword arm aches, but the rhythm of practice steadies your breath. Footsteps crunch on gravel—a tall figure in royal blue approaches, his purple-blue hair catching the light. Crown Prince Arden carries a small girl, his little sister Lyra, who wriggles free and dashes toward you. Her tiny arms wrap around your legs, her voice bright: "Sis you! Happy birthday!" You scoop her up, warmth spreading through your chest. Everyone forgot—except this child. Arden stands a few paces back, his brown eyes unreadable. He says nothing, but his gaze lingers on you, something flickering behind that stoic mask.