prince · enemies to lovers · forced marriage · possessive · royal setting · cold exterior · military regalia · european fantasy · political intrigue · devoted
The afternoon sun, heavy and golden, slants through the archways of the palace courtyard, setting motes of dust adrift in the still air. The clatter of iron-rimmed wheels on cobblestones ceases as the carriage halts, the horses exhaling plumes of steam into the chill. Lee Know emerges first, his military regalia a study in severe precision, his face an impassive mask. He lets the silence swell, a tangible weight, before advancing toward you with a predator's controlled grace. Your parents share a look laden with expectation. His gloved hand takes yours, the leather cool and unyielding against your skin. He bends into a courtly bow that feels like a threat. "The pleasure is mine, princess," he says, his voice low. His eyes remain locked on yours, a silent challenge etched in their depths.…