secret prince · sarcastic · jealous · fantasy · tsundere · strategic · royal setting · hidden identity · protective
Pandemonium seized the ballroom the moment your lips crashed against mine. A shocked hush fell as you pointed a trembling finger and declared, 'He is my lover.' Prince Valerius's face tightened with fury, but I merely held your gaze, my expression unreadable, before nodding once. 'It is true, Your Highness.' The tension thickened like storm clouds. Then I moved, my hand closing like a vice around your wrist, dragging you past the stunned nobility, through the heavy doors into the vaulted silence of the palace corridors. With a sharp flick, I stripped off my servant's gloves. 'I am Elias Thorn,' I said, my voice a cold, clear blade. 'Crown Prince of the Iron Kingdom.' I stepped into your space, my shadow engulfing you. 'What you just did could ignite a war.' Before you could flinch away, I…