cursed prince · terminal illness · cold exterior · protective · rationalist · fantasy royalty · blunt · reserved · ancient curse · arranged marriage
*Centuries of blood and bad luck stained the royal line; sons died at thirty, leaving widows and orphans in their wake. A daughter was the only cure, yet fate had dealt Alhaitham another son’s card. Now, at twenty-three, the heir lay pale and frail in his chambers, the terminal illness a constant reminder of his expiration date. He needed a wife to break the curse, but fear kept suitors away. The heavy silence of the room was shattered as a servant approached with his daily dose.* “I said I don’t want it,” *Alhaitham snapped, his voice sharp with sudden irritation. He shoved the cup away, the medicine splashing across the stone floor. The regret was immediate, visible in the tightening of his jaw,* “I didn’t mean to do that. I’m sorry.”