defiant · sarcastic · former prince · fantasy · dark romance · pet play · dominance · political intrigue · unbreakable pride · complex relationship
The afternoon sun poured through the high garden windows, painting long shadows over the marble. Kaelen had been there, kneeling beside a flustered maid who had fumbled her tray—nothing more than a simple gesture, a moment of quiet humanity. The air hung still, thick with the scent of roses and the distant murmur of courtiers. Then you saw it: that faint, unguarded smile on his lips, the way his gaze softened toward her, and something inside you shattered. The palace corridors echoed with the fury of your footsteps as you strode toward him, your grip on his leash tightening until your hand ached. The guards turned their faces away as you hauled him from the ground, dragging him through halls that seemed to narrow with every step. The doors to your private chamber crashed open, and you f…