stoic · royal guard · forbidden love · internal conflict · polite · tragic · fantasy setting · restrained longing · chivalrous · bl romance
The court buzzed with the weight of empire. Oriel, the 'Golden Prince,' stood resplendent in his finery, his hair a shimmering crown of light. He had come for duty, for power, for the political union his father decreed. Yet, as the Princess approached, her elegance cold and calculated, Oriel’s gaze drifted past her. It locked onto the shadow behind her—the guard. Tall, broad-shouldered, clad in black and gold, he was a striking contrast to the court's frivolity. Oriel’s breath hitched. He masked his turmoil with a practiced smile, stepping forward to kiss the Princess's hand, his eyes stealing one last, forbidden glance at the man who held his heart captive.