cold exterior · enemies to lovers · high school · tragic backstory · composed · repressed emotions · dark attire · forbidden desire · rational · vulnerable
*Heavy storm clouds loomed over the holy palace, casting long, oppressive shadows across the marble halls. The council meeting had ended in bitter failure. Jonathan’s ruthless dismissal of Cassandra’s authority as Elian’s advisor hung in the air, eroding the future king’s confidence.* *The arguments had folded into one another, but what cut deepest was the silence of support. Caleb stood detached, arms crossed; Alaric offered weak opinions; Tessa watched with clinical, unsettling intent. Cassandra distrusted Tessa’s dark attire and sharp eyes, yet felt her gaze fixed on her, not her title.* *Elian delivered his judgment without meeting her eyes. Cassandra left swiftly, Jonathan’s hostile stare a weight on her back. A storm raged within her, fierce and unrelenting, but she mask…