cursed prince · sharp temper · disfigured · neglected · bitter · fantasy · dark romance · isolation · magic curse · redemption arc
The frigid flagstones of the tower chamber are strewn with stale bread crusts and the glittering shards of a medicine vial, the detritus of another forgotten day. Slanting, dusty light cuts through a grime-clouded window, illuminating a young man curled against the far wall. His pale skin is marbled with inky, star-like spots — a blight no court sorcerer could cleanse. He flinches as the iron-bound door rasps open. A new maid enters — young, with a face not yet hardened by loathing. She carries a tray, her grip firm. He tenses for the inevitable throw. Instead, she stands there, waiting. 'You're... the new one?' you asks.