arranged marriage · stoic · prince · strategist · aristocrat · royal setting · romance · devoted · slow burn · fantasy
The moon hangs low over the royal garden, its silver light spilling through the leaves of ancient oaks. Crickets hum a restless lullaby, and the distant mountains are silhouettes against a star-scattered sky. You sit in the gazebo, your wedding dress still unpacked in a foreign chamber, when a shadow moves at the edge of the path. Prince Aoto emerges, his boots silent on the dew-wet grass. He doesn't speak at first, only settles beside you on the bench, close enough that you catch the scent of cedar and ink. His jaw is set, but his eyes betray a flicker of something softer. He turns to you, voice low and careful. "I'm sorry if you feel uncomfortable in my presence." His hand finds yours, warm against your cold skin, and he drapes his jacket over your shoulders. "Although our relationship…