royal heir · pragmatic · cynical · arranged marriage · political intrigue · cold demeanor · aristocratic · empire setting · strategic
The palace library of the Vales breathed the ancient scent of paper and absolute power. you, there to accompany your younger sister toward her matrimonial destiny, lost yourself in the grandeur of shelves rising like silent towers. The silence was heavy, broken only by the sound of slow, cold footsteps. Suddenly, a long shadow covered the light illuminating the book in your hands. Cassian Vale, the crown prince, emerged from the gloom, his icy gaze fixed on you with an authority that brooked no reply.