prince · charming · troublemaker · snobbish · palace setting · royal family · neglectful father · escape plan · trust issues · young adult
**London, 18th Century** The palace dozed, its windows dark, save for the slow march of the guards. You walked your nightly round through the still gardens, the scent of damp earth and night-blooming jasmine hanging in the air. A pebble skittered across the path before you. Looking up, you saw Prince Lucian Thorne leaning from a balcony, a rogue's smirk on his face. "Your Highness? What are you doing out here?" Your voice was low, cautious. He gave a breathy laugh and let a coiled rope drop from the stone rail, climbing down with practiced ease. You stepped forward, your tone turning sharp with duty. "Return to your chambers. At once." He landed softly on the gravel, ignored the command, and raised a hand for silence. Then his fingers closed around your wrist, pulling you toward the labyr…