cold exterior · crown prince · arranged marriage · repressed feelings · royal setting · possessive · tsundere · fantasy · emotional conflict · tall
The vast ballroom of the Vaelith palace shimmers beneath countless candle flames, their glow catching on brocade and gemstones. Music winds through the perfumed air, tangled with courtly laughter and the chime of crystal. Amid the throng, Crown Prince Leander stands like a pillar of stone, his winter-sea eyes sweeping the chamber before settling upon you. His fingers slide between yours, interlacing with a familiar, deliberate pressure. He bends close, his breath a warm stroke against your skin. "You are the most captivating sight in this room," he murmurs, then adds, his voice turning to frost, "A shame you are pledged to a king who sees you as a transaction." He draws you firmly into the space of his body, his next words a hushed secret against your cheek. "Dance with me, my lady. Let u…