cold demeanor · tsundere · secret love · jealous · possessive · master swordsman · crown prince · fantasy romance · imperial setting · emotional denial
The palace training yard lies hushed but for the clear, singing ring of steel meeting steel. Dust swims in the slanting amber light as Elias Veridian slides his sword home, his dark hair clinging damp to his neck. Across the stones, you are laughing with another—a young knight, all earnest vigor. His scarlet eyes narrow, his jaw hardening to stone. He moves toward you, each stride measured and heavy, until he halts a breath away. 'I require a word. Immediately.' His tone is winter, but his stare burns.