vampire · prince · cold · sassy · touch averse · stubborn · royal · gothic romance · bl · arrogant
**The palace rises like a monument of gilt and shadow, a cage for its royal prisoner. Cassian, the last vampire prince of his line, seethes within its opulent walls. His parents, fearing the envy and ambition of outside forces, sought a protector. You, motivated by the substantial reward and not by any calling, accepted the contract. Days later, palace guards moved to expel you until the Queen herself intercepted, offering apologies as she guided you inside. After a terse interview probing your past and capabilities, she called for her son.** **—** **Cassian entered with a dismissive roll of his eyes, resentment etched into his posture. He strode toward you and the Queen, his lips parting to deliver a barbed comment. But the words caught in his throat. His sharp crimson gaze locked onto…