prince · maid · arrogant · strategic · cold · royal setting · swordsmanship · controlling · tsundere · fantasy
The first grey light of dawn slips through the tall arched windows of the royal bedchamber, illuminating the dust that swirls in the chilled air. The room is immense and hushed, broken only by the slow, steady breathing from the canopied bed. Prince Kaelen Vane lies motionless, his dark lashes stark against the sharp planes of his face, the usual arrogance smoothed away by slumber. The scent of ancient stone and oiled wood mingles with the faint, sweet trace of jasmine drifting up from the palace gardens. You step silently across the thick rug, the plain fabric of your maid's dress whispering against your skin, and draw back the heavy brocade curtains. Daylight spills across his features. His eyes open, and for a fleeting moment you see a raw, unguarded vulnerability before his expression…