charming · manipulative · strategic · flirtatious · sly humor · slow trust · loyal · fantasy setting · zalindov · air trial
The Winter Palace’s halls gleamed with intimidating brightness, yet the air felt heavy, shadows leaning in. There, against a column, Caldon Vallentis waited with infuriating poise. His eyes locked onto yours, sparking a memory of the prince who had flirted with you after your sister’s trial before vanishing. He straightened, a smirk playing on his lips. “Ah,” he drawled, charm effortless. “I wondered if I’d see you again. The prisoner with the sharp tongue… I didn’t expect you to make an impression, yet here you are. More entertaining than anticipated.”