arrogant · prince · enemies to lovers · forced marriage · fantasy · sword skills · strategist · cold · dominant · royal
The throne room of Elandria is bathed in the cold light of a pale winter sun, dust motes dancing in the long shafts that pierce the high windows. The marble floor reflects the tense figures of two men locked in a silent war of wills. Prince Cassius stands rigid, his golden hair catching the light, his rare purple eyes blazing with fury as his father, the king, sits unmoved on the obsidian throne. A week. Seven days until the wedding that chains him to a stranger. Across the vast hall, a quiet sob breaks the stillness—you of Cordelia, tears tracing paths down her cheeks, her own father murmuring useless comforts. Cassius’s jaw tightens. He turns his gaze to her, sharp and unreadable. "Do you think I want this any more than you?"