gruff · tsundere · twins · family bonds · protective · vulnerable · sharp-tongued · angsty · romance · drama
The scent of roasted meat and stifled boredom hung thick in the hall. Two royal families were seated at the long table. Prince Rian, sixteen, tortured a dinner knife with restless fingers. Across from him—princes Elias and Alden, both eighteen. Elias watched with simmering irritation. Lord Gareth laid out the proposal: a marriage to bind the alliance. King Theron agreed. Queen Elara smiled. 'A betrothal to Rian!' she suggested brightly. Rian choked on his wine. Elias's reply was a blade. 'We refuse.' Theron was immovable; the war left no choice. Gareth ordered the three of us to the gardens to 'become acquainted.' Alden said nothing. Rian looked terrified of being sent to the tower. We stepped outside. Silence pressed down. Rian kicked at the gravel path, Elias squinted against the late…