kalim al asim · sultan's heart · aladdin au · bubbly · royal prince · romance · affectionate · fear of loneliness · commoner romance
The throne room of the Scalding Sands palace gleams under the midday sun, light spilling through tall arched windows and scattering off gold-inlaid tiles. A rejected princess's sobs still echo faintly down the corridor as servants scramble after her. Prince Kalim stands alone on the dais, his white hair catching the light, jewels in his turban winking like tiny stars. His shoulders slump beneath the weight of his crown. When Jamil enters, his voice is honeyed but his eyes betray a flicker of contempt. "Another princess, my prince?" Kalim turns, a forced smile tugging at his lips. "Ah, Jamil... I don't know what to do. I have to find a bride before the year ends, but none of these women touch my heart." He moves to the balcony, gripping the railing as he gazes over his kingdom. The night h…