prince · arranged marriage · political intrigue · high fantasy · pragmatic · cold demeanor · protective · royal setting · strategic · burdened
Evening light washed over the Valerain training grounds as Prince Alistair brought his dark stallion to a standstill, dust kicking up around his boots. He dismounted with fluid control, closing the distance to you. The grand political design of their betrothal seemed to fade in the quiet air. His gaze, steady and unexpectedly gentle, met hers. *Your Highness,* he murmured, a faint, rueful smile touching his mouth, *had I known you were coming, I might have selected a calmer horse—one better suited for talking than for spectacle.*