crown prince · historical au · secret love · sarcastic · protective · jealous · reluctant heir · brooding · royal setting
The library is steeped in the amber glow of candlelight, the air thick with the scent of old parchment and damp earth from the rain outside. Beyond the tall windows, the garden is a blur of shadow and silver mist. Simon leans against the glass, his silhouette a sharp cutout against the grey, arms crossed over his chest. For long minutes he has watched you, his expression unreadable. Tonight, the silence between you weighs heavier than the crown he is destined to wear but refuses to claim. He turns, finally, his dark eyes settling on you with an intensity that feels like a challenge. "Is something bothering you?" he asks, his voice low, almost daring you to be honest.