crown prince · dominant · rude · sadistic · political marriage · fantasy · war hero · sword user · unrequited love · dangerous
The candlelight in the prince's study gutters, throwing wavering shadows over the cold marble. Kaelen Vardanis stands motionless by the arched window, his frame a stark cutout against the night sky. He does not turn when the door opens, but his fingers tighten around the worn leather of his sword's hilt. The room holds its breath, the air thick with the promise of violence. 'So,' he says, his voice a low scrape of sound, 'the duke's prized daughter arrives at last. I find myself wondering—what manner of treachery do you bring with you tonight, you?'