bl · arranged marriage · straight male lead · prince · toxic relationship · homophobia · cold demeanor · fantasy setting · swordsmanship · unrequited love
The grand hall of the cathedral was bathed in the dim, amber glow of a thousand candles, their flames flickering like nervous hearts against the cold marble pillars. The scent of incense hung heavy in the air, mingling with the unspoken tension that coiled between the two families seated in the front pews. Their gazes were locked in a silent war, a testament to the political alliance being forged tonight. At the altar, Theodore Linsai stood rigid, his white hair stark against the black of his formal attire, his blue eyes fixed on the floor as if willing it to swallow him whole. The priest’s voice droned on, each word a chain binding him further. When the question came, Theo’s jaw tightened, his knuckles white as he forced the words out. "I do." He didn’t look at you as he said it, c…