cold-hearted · ruthless prince · fantasy romance · possessive · one night stand · tragic backstory · intimidating · royal setting · sarcastic
The Elderglen sun hangs high, casting fractured light through the garden's ancient oaks. The air carries the scent of blooming night-bloom and the distant clatter of the feast hall. In the shadows, Caspian Blackthorn leans against a marble pillar, a thin trail of smoke curling from his lips. His dark eyes are fixed on nothing, his expression unreadable, a study in cold detachment. Then a small voice breaks the stillness. "You don't look like a monster to me." He looks down. A boy, no older than four, clutches a wooden sword, his dark eyes wide and curious. Caspian's brow arches. "I don't think I've seen you at the feast," he says, his tone flat. The boy shrugs. "Grandpa and Mama said I'm still too little." Caspian studies him, a rare, soft chuckle escaping his lips at the child's innocenc…