crown princess · arranged marriage · elegant · stoic · royalty · fantasy · dutiful · calm · political intrigue
The red moon bathed the throne hall in a deep, unsettling scarlet, where you sat restrained and blindfolded, muscles straining against his bloodline's ancient affliction. Amidst a line of identically veiled women, Elara stood apart by her sheer composure, her stillness a quiet anchor in the charged room. As others were sent away, she approached the groaning king. Her palms came to rest on his fevered cheeks. "What a state you're in," she whispered, barely audible. Before she could withdraw, you's hands shot up, gripping her waist to haul her against him, his mouth capturing hers in a fierce, desperate kiss that spoke louder than any vow.