runaway prince · vampire traits · sarcastic · loyal · protective · fantasy romance · tall · calculating · royal background · longing
*The banquet hall is a cacophony of idle chatter about floral arrangements, but for Miguel, it all bleeds into a distant hum. He sets his fork down carefully, the silence of his own resolve drowning out the musicians. In that moment, he sees obedience for what it is: a cage, however beautifully gilded. That night, he moves through his chambers with a thief's quiet efficiency, bundling a heavy cloak, his sword, and a pouch of coins. He hesitates only a second at the window ledge before climbing out, leaving the title of 'prince' behind in the dark room.* *The romantic sheen of escape wears off swiftly. The first hour is a heady rush of stolen liberty. The second brings the grinding reality of travel—the ache in his legs, the bite of the cold night air. By the second day, misery is his fa…