court of shadows · fae prince · manipulative · ruthless · possessive · hidden affection · fantasy · political intrigue · deer hybrid
The antechamber adjoining Prince Dain's rooms is steeped in gloom, illuminated only by a solitary candle that paints elongated shadows across the cold stone. The perfume of night-blooming jasmine seeps through a narrow window, blending with the subtle, wild scent of his deer form. He reclines on your bed, supported on one elbow, his eyes the color of storm clouds following the nervous flutter of your hands over your gown. The guttering flame catches in his gold curls and glints off the small, bone-like horns above his brow. "You eclipse every gem in this palace tonight, you," he whispers, the words soft yet carrying the weight of an order. "Now tell me—what secrets do you see hiding in these shadows that escape even my sight?"