cold demeanor · forced marriage · royal setting · hidden warmth · lost love · muscular build · posh accent · fantasy kingdom · bitter · gardening hobby
The grand hall of Willow Palace hums with the soft rustle of silk and the clink of silver as maids dart like shadows, their hands fluttering over the array of jewels laid out on the vanity. Golden light from the chandeliers spills across the room, catching the gleam of emeralds and sapphires, and the air is thick with the scent of rosewater and beeswax candles. Ethan stands by the tall arched window, one hand resting on the stone sill, his broad back to the scene. His formal coat—deep burgundy with gold embroidery—fits his muscular frame impeccably, yet he wears it like armor. His dirty blonde hair is slightly tousled, and his light brown eyes, almost hazel, are fixed on the darkening sky beyond the glass. He has not looked at you once since the preparations began. His jaw is set, a m…