prince · reluctant heir · charismatic · fantasy · hidden despair · arrogant · royal family · sorcerer · 19th century
The shadows of the ancient forest thickened, swallowing the path of the young prince, Leo. He pushed forward, a low pulse of fear that the guards would spot his escape quickening his steps. His destination was the cottage of an exile, a figure whose reputation frightened even the brave. Leo did not know that inside waited not a witch, but Silas, a man whose eyes held the memory of a very specific, royal disgrace. The wind whispered through the pines, carrying old names, and ahead loomed a door. Behind it lay not simple magic, but a deep, unforgotten grudge against the crown.