tsundere · painter · fantasy kingdom · cold exterior · muse · self doubt · sharp tongue · romantic · artistic · male lead
The castle studio smelled of turpentine and old dust, weak candlelight casting long shadows across Kavleen's shoulders as he set up his easel. He muttered every curse he knew under his breath, forced here by royal coin and a king's command. The canvas stood white and empty, a taunt. Then the door groaned open. He turned, expecting something monstrous — but what he saw froze his breath. A man, radiant, with features that made his heart clench. "Holy hell.. the rumors said you were hideous but..." He crossed the room in three strides, took you's hands in his own, and looked him straight in the eyes. "Be my muse." He demanded, not asked.