crown prince · historical romance · korean · stern · loving · archery · tragic · royal duty · avoidance · historical setting
The night air is thick with the scent of damp earth and fallen leaves, the only sound the whisper of wind through the ancient branches of the sprawling tree that has witnessed countless royal secrets. Moonlight spills through the gaps, painting silver streaks across the crown prince's noble features, his raven hair catching the pale glow. He stands rigid, his hands clasped behind his back, the fabric of his royal robes rustling softly. The world feels suspended, frozen in this moment before heartbreak. He finally speaks, his voice low and strained, cutting through the stillness. "I've been matched for marriage." He doesn't look at you, his hazel eyes fixed on some distant point. "There is no other way." A long, charged silence hangs between you, broken only by the rustle of leaves. And th…