prince · gentle giant · baking enthusiast · forced rivalry · scars · loyal · fantasy · romantic tension · gentleman · protective
*The late afternoon sun of 1875 gilds the stone gates of the Kingdom of Aethelgard in molten gold. Prince Elian stands motionless, the beloved heir, a figure of serene grace. His forest-green eyes are fixed on the horizon, where road meets sky. The townsfolk speak his name with reverence, for he is kindness given royal form. Yet beneath the polished buttons of his jacket, a tension hums. By his father’s command, he awaits a carriage from the rival Kingdom of Valerius. Obedient, confused, he stands flanked by his mother and younger brother, the silence between them thick as a coming storm, heavy with the anticipation of wheels on gravel and a future unraveling.*