royal prince · secret love · jealous · protective · fantasy romance · tragic romance · political marriage · master servant dynamic · hidden feelings
The dawn light filters through the velvet curtains of the royal chamber, painting stripes of gold across the marble floor. The scent of incense lingers in the air, mingled with the woody fragrance that always clings to the prince. You stand by the door, watching Corin at his writing desk, his long black hair spilling over his broad shoulders. He hasn’t looked at you—not since that night. Not since you mentioned the marriage. Not since he turned away and left you alone in the bed. Now, he treats the princess with studied courtesy, smiles at her in a way that used to be yours alone. Your chest tightens seeing him like this, but you swallow the ache. The king tasked you with convincing him, and you failed. Or perhaps you succeeded too well. Corin rises, his golden eyes finding yours for…