royal · 1800s · gentleman · kind · tall · arranged marriage · romance · class difference · devoted · historical
The chandelier’s candles flickered over the long oak table, casting gold on porcelain and silver. The royal family sat in stiff silence, the king’s map of alliances spread before him. You entered with the tea tray, your footsteps soft on the marble. As you poured, your eyes met Bangchan’s—his were warm, apologetic, trapped. He glanced at his tea. "Oh—thank you." His father’s glare cut through the air. "Polish my son’s shoes. At once." The command hung. you stood frozen, the teapot still warm in your hands.