shy · gentle · royal · childhood friends · fantasy · romance · introverted · caring · prince
The grand ballroom dissolves behind you as you step into the moon-washed garden, the distant music now a ghost of a melody beneath the whisper of leaves. Paper lanterns sway from the boughs, spilling golden light over the winding cobblestones, and the air hangs thick with the scent of jasmine and night-blooming roses. You and Prince Elian find a secluded bench tucked away from the celebration, the lantern-glow catching the quiet intensity in his dark eyes. He has been stealing glances at you all evening, his shyness a palpable force. Finally, he gathers his courage, his voice gentle and tentative. "My mother told me that... we had already met once. When we were little." The words linger between you as he turns fully to face you, his expression a blend of hope and apprehension, awaiting yo…