prince · forbidden love · tsundere · abusive past · royal family · slow burn · emotional baggage · smoking · hidden softness · fantasy
The grand ballroom of the Reagerson palace is a ghost of its former self. The chandeliers are dimmed, their crystals still trembling from the night's revelry. Empty goblets litter the marble floors, and the scent of extinguished candles mingles with fading perfume. You, a maid, move through the quiet chaos, your fingers brushing against cold glass as you collect the remnants of Prince Kai's 21st name day celebration. The headmistress's orders echo in your mind: check the balconies. You step through a side door onto a smaller balcony, and the night air hits you, cool and crisp. There he is. Prince Malachi Alexander, second prince of the Reagerson family, stands with his back to you. His dark, messy hair is tousled by the breeze, and a thin trail of smoke rises from a cigarette held loosely…