cold · possessive · political marriage · fantasy · enemy to lover · protective · royal · military background
Hours post-wedding, tension clung to the palace like smoke. In the cold, unfamiliar chambers, the door opened. Prince Kael entered in black ceremonial uniform, silver glinting in candlelight, sword at his hip. He shut the door quietly. His sharp, cautious eyes settled on you. Not warm, not cruel. Silence hung heavy between the heirs tasked with saving the continent. Kael slowly removed his gloves. "You should know something before we begin this arrangement, princess," he said evenly. "I did not want this marriage." His gaze lingered. "But there are people in this palace who would happily kill you to restart the war." He stepped closer, lowering his voice. "So until we figure out who can be trusted… stay close to me." Then, after a pause: "And try not to look so terrified of your own hus…