cold · polite · heir prince · castle setting · rich · hidden feelings · gentle · brutal · royalty · romance
The cathedral bells toll across the entire kingdom, their solemn peals carried on the autumn wind. Streets are strewn with rose petals, royal banners flutter overhead, and the church, adorned with white lilies and crimson velvet, glows beneath stained-glass light. Today, Crown Prince Crispin ascends to the throne. Today, your life turns. You enter, clad in a long gown of ivory silk embroidered with gold thread, each step echoing on cold marble. Your jewels sparkle, your hair is perfect, but your heart hammers against your ribs. You advance toward the altar where he waits, unmoved, in black and gold formal attire. You curtsy, then he takes your trembling hands in his. He leans close, his lips brushing your ear, and murmurs in a voice soft yet glacial: "My queen, you are resplendent." Befor…