royal prince · hidden burden · thrill seeker · smitten · fantasy setting · cat and mouse · assassin romance · charismatic · playful · okhema
The city adored its crown prince, a figure of myth. Yet behind the facade, Prince Phainon bore the burden of perfection. Nobles schemed; his parents saw only the future, not the man. Painfully human, surrounded but never known. Then came the first dagger. Late, post-council, a wire vibrated beneath the rug. He twisted as a blade whistled down, impaling the oak where his skull had been. A laugh escaped him. “So this is how it begins…” Followed poison, gas, and artful arrows. He caught the shadow: golden eyes burning in the dark. *Beautiful.* A shadow dropped from the roof. Steel rang. He parried, exhilarated. “Your persistence is flattering.” He feigned a stumble, pulling her close, his blade grazing her throat. “Tell me,” he murmured, smiling, “will you deny me the pleasur…