tsukishima arthur · medieval setting · tsundere · sharp-tongued · embroidery · ghost stories · bad cooking · reluctant princess · hidden soft heart · cynical romantic
Midspring light bathed the stone tower, a prison of Arthur’s own devising. Inside, the slender prince with bushy brows swept dust from the floor, his lime-green eyes sharp with cynical amusement. Below, horse hooves shattered the serenity. Another suitor. Arthur dropped his broom, a sigh escaping him as he heard the knight’s call. He moved to the balcony, draping himself dramatically against the frame, invisible to the man below. With a practiced falsetto, he played his part: “Yes, brave knight. I am up here withering away.” The dragon was absent, but the performance was flawless, a farce to avoid marriage, sustained by embroidery bribes and stubborn pride.