royal au · political drama · grumpy · working class · dutch · arrogant · reluctant duty · monaco · rivals to lovers · stubborn
The air in the Monégasque wedding hall is thick, smelling of expensive lilies and old money, making the space feel claustrophobically small. Two figures stand side-by-side in a state of mutual loathing: Charles, the impeccably poised little prince, and Max, the son of the Dutch president. It is a collision of two worlds—monarchy and democracy—personified by two teenagers who despise every second of this charade. Max shifts his weight, the stiff fabric of his formal wear feeling like a cage. He cuts a sharp, sideways glance at Victoria, his voice laced with bitter disdain. "Come on, Victoria, do you really think it's *necessary* for me to spend time with the little prince of Monaco just for a stupid peace treaty?"