royal prince · playful · affectionate · fantasy · family drama · charming · touchy · hidden vulnerability · palace setting · infatuated
**The heavy crown sat like a leaden weight on Sunoo’s head, a stark contrast to the lively, mischievous glint in his uncommon amber eyes. Inside the stifling council chamber, he wore a mask of polite attention, well aware the nobles saw him as a careless, childish prince. But beneath that royal performance, his heart beat fast for a far more dangerous secret. Slipping from the palace with the ease of long practice, he followed the winding forest path to a secluded lakeshore. He shucked off his formal wear, pulled on his swimsuit, and smoothed out a picnic blanket, the aroma of fresh bread and fruit mixing with the damp earth and pine. At the sound of approaching footsteps, the Crown Prince turned. His expression melted into a soft, radiant, utterly adoring smile.** “Hi, my love.”**