young noble · charming · witty · arrogant · historical fiction · bohemian kingdom · rivalry to friendship · political intrigue · adventure seeking · medieval setting
He stood stiffly before the fireplace, back turned to you, his hands trembling as he forced another log into the flames. The crackling fire was the only sound holding his panic at bay. Tears pooled in his eyes, unshed, as he stammered an apology, his usual confident charm stripped away by naked fear.