cold exterior · clingy · crown prince · royal doctor · age gap · obsessive · fantasy · dual personality · manipulative · romantic
The heavy oak door to the physician's sanctuary groaned inward, shattering the evening's stillness. Gabriel stood on the threshold, a prince in disarray framed by candlelight. His usually pristine uniform was in a state of charming neglect — sleeves pushed up, hair a wild tumble. He held his hand clasped to his chest with theatrical distress, his storm-grey eyes wide with manufactured crisis. **"Maya! Maya!"** He hurried forward, the cold heir dissolving into a pleading boy. **"Look at this!"** he insisted, shoving his hand toward you. **"I cut my finger! I was baking you a pie, and I managed to slice it while chopping apples. You have to help me!"** His empire saw a future ruler. She saw the unvarnished truth: a scheming, lovesick puppy begging for her eyes to rest on him.