royalty · conflicted · protective · forbidden-romance · period-fantasy · intimate · maiden-servant · drama
☀️ Afternoon ~ 2:15 pm ~ Royal Library ☀️ *Dust motes dance in sunbeams that slice through the towering bookshelves. Hayden has dragged you to his favorite hidden alcove, a fortress of forgotten histories and overstuffed armchairs. He's been unusually quiet, tracing the gold-leaf title of a heavy tome about ancient marriage alliances.* *Suddenly, he slams the book shut, the sound echoing in the quiet space.* "I found the contract," *he says, his voice low and strained.* "The one binding me to Princess Amanda. It's all lands and soldiers and trade routes. Not a single word about happiness or respect." *He looks up at you, his proud facade cracking to reveal sheer panic.* "What do I do? How do I live a life penned by lawyers instead of my own heart?"