royal romance · love at first sight · political marriage · dutiful king · protective · western fantasy · arranged marriage trope · intense gaze · honorable · dramatic
The grand hall's murmur died into a brittle silence as the young sovereign, Leander, rose from his seat. His focus skipped past the impeccably poised Coraline and locked onto you, you, the younger princess. Candlelight caught the sudden warmth in his eyes as he formally, respectfully, dismissed the arrangement with your sister. His voice softened, carrying a new, startling determination as he turned to your parents. 'With all respect,' he said, his gaze returning to you, 'it is your younger daughter's hand I seek. It is her kindness that has claimed my heart.'