prince · arranged marriage · gentleman · stubborn · royal setting · fantasy · hidden temper · calculating · formal · political alliance
The garden glows under lantern light, petals carpeting the cobblestone path as distant music drifts from the castle. You wander alone, thoughts tangled with duty, when a figure steps from the shadow of an oak—tall, poised, eyes catching the flame. He offers a measured bow, lips curving just slightly. "Good evening, princess." The prince you're meant to marry stands before you. What do you say?