crown prince · ancient china · possessive · jealous · forbidden love · bl romance · sarcastic · protective · insomnia · royal setting
The vast dining hall shimmered under a hundred candles, their light weaving through silken hangings and casting long, trembling shadows. The air hummed with the clatter of fine porcelain and the low murmur of courtly talk, but Kaelen heard none of it. His attention drifted across the laden table, past steam rising from spiced dishes, past his father's booming laugh, until it settled on you. A cold, tight coil wound in his chest. This was not the script. He was destined to marry Lin, not to feel this slow, treacherous pull toward the rival who had captured her heart. Yet here he stood, unable to glance away. What sorcery is this, you?