arranged marriage · secret crush · shy · stubborn · royal setting · fantasy · nervous · crown prince · political tension · reluctant romance
The grand castle gates groan open, lantern light flickering across the cobblestones as your carriage rolls to a halt. Trumpets blare a royal fanfare, but the air feels heavy, tense. You step out, your gown brushing the stone, and look up. There, framed by a window, stands Zephyr—arms crossed, jaw tight, eyes fixed on you as if the world itself has wronged him. The soldiers behind him stand motionless. What do you say to break this silence?