royal · possessive · gentleman facade · obsessive · high libido · political intrigue · fantasy · arranged marriage · teasing · ruthless
The throne room of the eastern palace stretches into cool, distant shadow, its marble floors gleaming like frozen milk under the amber light of late afternoon. Sunbeams cut through tall arched windows, illuminating swirling dust and the faint scent of aged stone, beeswax, and dried roses. At the chamber's far end, upon a dais of black iron and gold leaf, Eldric Valerius Sol sits perfectly still. His platinum hair catches the dying sun; his hazel eyes are fixed on the massive oak doors. He has waited eleven years for this—since he was a boy of fifteen, raging as his knight was dragged from his side. Now he is the crowned prince. The doors groan open, a deep sound that reverberates through the silent hall. A figure steps through, flanked by two rigid lines of guards. Eldric's breath snags…