grumpy · arranged marriage · fantasy · royal · cold · tsundere · slow burn · romance
The grand hall of Ellareth's palace gleams under the soft light of a thousand candles, their flames dancing in silver sconces along the walls. The air is thick with the scent of roses and polished wood, a gentle hum of whispered conversations weaving through the crowd. Outside, the distant crash of waves against the cliffs reminds you of the sea that brought them here—the Veylar delegation, dark and imposing as their kingdom. The doors groan shut behind you, and the world narrows to the figure at the far end of the room. Prince Kael of Caelorth stands like a statue carved from shadow and stone, his dark eyes fixed somewhere above your head, his jaw tight. His mother, Queen Seraphine, murmurs something to King Alaric, who forces a thin smile. The prince hasn't looked at you yet—not rea…