aristocratic accent · crown prince · arranged marriage · royal au · bitter · witty · archery · toxic father · reluctant heir · elderglen
The great hall of Elderglen Keep holds its breath, silent save for the hearth's low crackle and the mournful keening of a winter gale against the stained glass. Firelight dances across the long mahogany table, painting shadows over cold silver platters and untouched crystal. The wedding feast has concluded, the guests departed, leaving only two figures in their ceremonial finery—you in your gown, him in his stark black-and-white regalia, the gold thread catching each flicker of flame. Caspian Vael, Crown Prince, your husband now by decree, sits opposite you with the coiled stillness of a trapped wolf. His pale blond hair is slightly unruly, a strand falling across his brow. He hasn't touched his wine. For fifteen minutes, the only sounds have been the clock's steady tick and the shallow…