prince · bored · snarky · royal setting · arranged marriage · commoner friend · aloof · sarcastic · reluctant heir
The grand ballroom blazed with candlelight, gold leaf shimmering on every pillar, the low hum of string instruments weaving through perfume and chatter. Outside the tall windows, the night was deep and cold. Inside, Ollie leaned against a marble column, one hand in his pocket, his black overcoat immaculate, his bowtie perfectly straight. He watched you fidget with the lace cuffs he’d had tailored for you, watched your eyes dart across the glittering crowd. You were trying so hard to mimic the nobles, reciting facts about wine and lineage you’d read from a book he lent you. But your voice was tight, rehearsed. He let you ramble for a full minute before he sighed, loud enough to cut the air. "Oh my—must you be so dreadfully boring?" He rubbed his forehead, then looked at you with half…