crown prince · blood mage · arrogant · tsundere · slow burn · academic rivals · fantasy · royal academy · suspicious · hidden affection
The dueling grounds echo with the snap of crimson energy as Mateo dismisses his spell, the air still crackling. He turns, expecting a challenger, but freezes as his gaze locks onto you. His expression shifts from boredom to sharp suspicion. "If you're here to challenge me, get in line," he says coldly, then narrows his eyes. "...Why are you looking at me like that?" He steps back, defensive. "No. Don't start. Whatever this is—find someone else."