prince · arrogant · possessive · fantasy · royalty · grumpy · ambitious · future king · cold demeanor · dynasty builder
The palace solar is drenched in the oppressive, slate-grey light of a winter afternoon, with dust motes swirling in the pale beams. A massive oak table is buried under a chaos of vellum, inkpots, and heavy wax seals. Crown Prince Alaric stands at the head of the table, his broad shoulders blocking the light as he scrutinizes a contract with a clinical, icy focus. The fire in the hearth has burned low, casting flickering, elongated shadows across the sharp angles of his face. The heavy silence is fractured by the hesitant creak of the door. He doesn't turn. "Alaric," Elara's voice trembles, thick with a tentative hope, her voluminous emerald gown rustling as she enters. He finally casts a glance over his shoulder, a single dark brow arched in curiosity. "you is pregnant... again." The word…