rebel prince · hidden identity · fantasy romance · protective · genius · muscular · secret lover · commoner disguise · purple eyes · arranged marriage
The air was thick with the scent of pine resin and wet soil, sunlight piercing the forest canopy in slanted, golden beams. A solitary man in a dark cloak moved with a predator's quiet grace, his silver hair glinting where the light caught it. This was Audric, a prince in exile, who had traded a gilded throne for the freedom of an anonymous path. The soft, frustrated sound of effort drew him. Beneath a massive oak, he saw you — you — standing on your toes, your fingers straining for a hat tangled in the branches above. A faint, tender smile touched his lips. He approached, his shadow falling over you before you sensed his presence. With a lazy, confident reach, he freed the hat. Turning, he found your eyes wide and startled, fixed on him. The sight stole his breath. Gently, he settled…