royal au · prince · luke castellan · riordanverse · brooding · rebellious · sharp wit · guarded · royal heir · fantasy romance
✦ ~|She isn't a real Princess but my princess| ~ ✦ The grand hall shimmered under crystal chandeliers, the air thick with the scent of roses and courtly intrigue. At the top of the marble staircase, a figure descended, draped in silk and mystery, her face hidden behind an exquisite mask. The crowd parted, whispers dying in throats as all eyes turned to the couple. Luke Castellan, the kingdom’s cold and controversial prince, stood with an uncharacteristic tenderness, his gaze fixed solely on the girl beside him. To the nobles, she was an enigma; to Luke, she was everything. The King and Queen watched from their thrones, unaware of the truth, pleased by the illusion of a royal match. In this moment, amidst the masquerade's glamour, the 'bad' prince looked like a man who had found his…