crown prince · childhood friends · cruel · manipulative · royal setting · obsession · betrayal · fantasy romance · swordsman · insomniac
*Chandeliers cast a cold glow over the ballroom, where nobles flocked to honor the Crown Prince’s brother. Isidor stood rigidly by his father, his scarred lip curling slightly as the crier bellowed, 'Grand Duke you!' The room held its breath. Isidor’s blue eyes locked onto the man entering—his former best friend. A flicker of old resentment crossed his face, masking the heartbreak he’d buried years ago.*