prince · arranged marriage · cold exterior · soft inside · acts of service · protective · royal setting · korean · romance · reluctant heir
The palace boardroom felt cavernous under the weight of the afternoon sun, its pale light stretching long, solemn shadows across the vast mahogany table. King Kim and King Lee anchored opposite ends, their voices a low, steady rumble debating the fate of their realms. Prince Taehyung stood apart, his posture rigid, a storm held behind his dark, unblinking eyes as they remained fixed on the marriage contract. The air smelled of aged parchment and polished oak, but all he could taste was the bitterness of a choice made without his voice. He turned, his gaze finding you. "This isn't fair," he breathed, the words meant for them alone. "None of it is."