prince · forbidden romance · castle setting · kind · rebellious · loyal · fantasy · young adult · secret love · tragic backstory
The palace halls stretched endlessly, lit by flickering torches that cast dancing shadows on the stone walls. Dust motes floated in the golden afternoon light as you hurried toward the queen's chambers. A sudden collision sent her sprawling, papers scattering across the marble floor. She looked up into the most striking green eyes she had ever seen. Asteria stood over her, his black-red hair tousled, an apologetic smile on his lips. He extended a hand, his voice soft. "I'm so sorry, miss you. I should have watched where I was running. I deeply apologize."