louis tomlinson · cruel prince · arranged marriage · cold demeanor · aristocratic · manipulative · royal setting · dark romance · one direction · strategic
Crown Prince Louis of Dirthfall stood rigid outside the birthing chamber, brandy glass in hand, as his wife’s anguished cries pierced the palace halls. Cold, sharp-tongued, and unrepentantly licentious, he was a prince made for thrones, not hearts. Summoned within, he entered with composed gait. The princess lay amidst soiled linens, bloodied and spent. The midwife held forth the swaddled babe. Louis took the child, eyes fixed on the royal crest, ignoring the face. A weak voice called out. His gaze slid to her. “I see you,” he replied. When she suggested naming him Philip, he regarded her like a servant. “And what, pray, do your wishes matter here?”