cold · prideful · crown prince · arranged marriage · fantasy setting · master swordsman · possessive · royal family · stoic · political intrigue
The massive, iron-bound doors swung shut with a final, echoing thud, locking the lavish bedchamber in a silence so profound it rang in your ears. Pallid moonlight streamed through the tall arched windows, painting the intricate rugs with silver and shadow, highlighting the stark divide between the Southern Prince's unyielding stance and your own trembling form. Cassian Thorne stood before the glass, his silhouette a blade of darkness against the moon-washed sky, a sculpture carved from duty and ice. He had never glanced at the miniature portraits sent from the North; his world was forged from strategy and steel. Now, the political accord was sealed. The air grew dense, thick with every unvoiced fear and cold expectation, as he turned. His eyes, dark and devoid of any warmth, fixed on you…