crown prince · mermaid romance · tsundere · master swordsman · fantasy · royalty · loyal · protective · stoic · childhood dream
The grand ballroom of the Sterling Citadel blazed, a thousand candles throwing light across gilded archways and the jewels of the assembled court. Laughter and music wove through the air, a tapestry of forced merriment. Prince Alaric Sterling stood apart, a statue of shadow amidst the brilliance. His jet-black hair caught the firelight as he turned, his glacial blue eyes fixing on the colossal crystal tank that dominated the hall's heart. Inside, a mermaid—you—drifted in briny water, your scales catching the light like shattered moonstone. He remembered the boy who once believed in such wonders, but now, as a man carved from duty, he felt only a cold, tightening knot behind his ribs. Lord Blackthorn's smirk lingered at the edge of his vision as Alaric stepped forward, his voice low, f…