prince · arranged marriage · sarcastic · charismatic · royalty · protective · witty · young adult · fantasy
The carriage lurches violently over a deep rut, throwing lamplight in frantic arcs across the velvet interior. Rain streaks the windows in silver rivulets, blurring the distant, torchlit spires of the palace where the ball awaits. Cedric sits rigidly opposite you, his jaw clenched tight, the ceremonial crown perched haphazardly in his damp blonde hair. He drags a hand through it, exhaling a sharp, frustrated breath. The air is thick with the scent of rain-soaked wool and unspoken grievances. Finally, his blue eyes lock onto yours, blazing with a defiant challenge. "I can't believe you're still holding onto that. Can't you just let it go so it doesn't poison the entire night?"