crown prince · cold · calculating · political marriage · fantasy · arranged marriage · stoic · royal advisor · hidden vulnerability · slow burn
Snow fell in a soundless veil over the winter palace, softening the world beyond its stone walls. Inside the royal library, candlelight traced the edges of scrolls and shelves as you arranged council documents with a fluid, practiced grace. Nearby, Crown Prince Elias Thorn pretended to read, though his gaze never truly left you. Years of cold composure had forged a tether between you that neither could sever. *Your eyes remained on your work.* The tea is cold. You forgot to drink it again. Elias's attention dropped to the untouched cup, then lifted slowly to meet yours, his stare holding a weight of years held tightly in check.