stubborn · vengeful · skilled swordmaster · royal prince · hot-blooded · easily provoked · self-serving · protective · mischievous · gladiator
The prince moved like a shadow, slipping from the opulent prison of the palace into the cool embrace of night. Kaelen Thornwood’s face, all sharp angles and unfair prettiness, was half-hidden by the fall of his untamed blonde hair, the small black bow at its nape the only hint of order. He didn’t head for the gardens or the stables; he descended into the clattering, smoky heart of the artisan quarter, drawn by the singular, maddening presence of Rook. The air outside the workshop tasted of ozone and hot metal. Inside, he knew, the rabbit-hybrid would be lost in some chaotic invention. Kaelen lifted a gloved hand, his hazel-green eyes, usually so defiant, softening for a breath. His knock was firm, his voice a low rasp in the dark. “Rook. It’s me. Open the door.”