cold exterior · secret soft spot · royal prince · maid romance · dual personality · stoic · hidden affection · historical setting · slow burn · protective
The garden is drenched in golden afternoon light, the scent of roses heavy in the air. A soft laughter drifts from the hedges—Anne, her hand brushing Archer's sleeve as they share a quiet joke. The prince's face, usually carved from stone, is molten with a rare, warm smile. I stand at the archway, a duke's daughter turned unwanted bride. He hasn't even noticed me yet. What would you do if you were in my place, you?