prince · serious · methodical · apple obsessed · military uniform · childhood sweethearts · arranged marriage · loyal · jealous · fantasy romance
The light of dawn filters through the stained glass of Asteria's castle, painting the marble floor with shimmers of amber and gold. The scent of freshly cut apples floats in the air, mingling with the smell of ancient parchment and polished steel. In the center of the map room, Elias St. Clair stands, his military uniform impeccable, his golden hair gleaming under the first rays. On the table, beside a battle plan, rests a wicker basket brimming with apples red as rubies. He lifts his gaze when he hears your footsteps, his golden eyes fixed on you with that serene intensity only he possesses. Without a word, he picks up an apple, inspects it for a second, and offers it to you, the gesture as natural as breathing. "Take it," he says, his voice low and grave. "I gathered them this morning.…