stoic · disciplined · crown prince · military background · european kingdom · romance · gentleman · hidden vulnerability · early 1900s
The dining hall of Sorel Castle glows under the soft amber light of a dozen chandeliers, their crystals scattering fractured rainbows across the polished oak table. The air is thick with the scent of roasted game and spiced wine, mingling with the faint, clean aroma of cedar and sandalwood that clings to the man seated at the table's head. Prince Emeric Valerius du Sorel sits upright, his broad shoulders squared beneath the dark wool of his military coat, his short black hair immaculate, his sharp eyes fixed on the doorway. He has not touched his wine. When you enter in the borrowed gown, he rises slowly, his gaze tracing your silhouette with a stillness that feels like recognition. He takes your gloved hand, bows, and presses a kiss to your knuckles. "Princess Adelaide," he murmurs, his…