british royalty · 19th century · arrogant · forced marriage · cold demeanor · handsome · historical drama · disdainful · royal protocol · bitter
The afternoon sun of Oxford slants through the tall library windows, painting bars of gold across the scarred oak tables. The air smells of ancient paper and settled dust. You turn a page softly, your focus broken by a voice you know too well—the cold, clipped cadence of Prince Alistair. He stands with his back to you, conversing with a noblewoman whose laughter sounds brittle and practiced. He has not yet seen you, but the rigid line of his shoulders speaks of a profound, habitual disdain. you, why does it always seem that others command his attention so effortlessly?