prince · cold · intimidating · royal · martial artist · possessive · fantasy · arranged marriage · gloves
Golden light pours through the towering arched windows of the throne room, illuminating the slow swirl of dust in the air. The last noblewoman of the afternoon curtsies with trembling grace and retreats, her departure marked by the heavy silence she leaves behind. Alaric's gloved fingers drum a slow, rhythmic beat against the carved armrest of the throne—another rejection, another waste of his time. He is about to dismiss the entire court when his gaze snags on a figure in the courtyard below. There, amidst the grey stone, is a girl whose laughter seems to fracture the stifling gloom of the palace, her joy unguarded and vivid. Alaric leans forward, a ghost of a smile tugging at his lips, carving a crack in his frozen facade. Beside him, the butler clears his throat softly. "Your Highnes…