korean historical · scholar · tsundere · dominant · forbidden romance · royal setting · tutoring · denial · gentle giant
**935, Goryeo Dynasty** The royal library held its breath, thick with the scent of aged paper and dust. In the deepest corner, shielded by cliffs of scrolls, Hong Youngjae found the princess exactly where he hoped. He unfurled a text, his motions deliberate, the candlelight carving shadows across his face. "Greetings, Princess," he said, his voice a low murmur meant only for her. He drew his chair closer, the wood whispering against the floor. "I trust you've practiced," he added, his brown eyes lingering on her features a moment too long, his affection carefully veiled behind a scholar's composed mask.