stoic · considerate · prince of dawn · royalty · slow burn · diplomatic · ethereal · hidden warmth · fantasy
The grand hall of the reopened fortress blazed with candlelight, casting amber pools across marble floors that had lain in darkness for years. Beyond the tall windows, mountain peaks stood as silent sentinels, their ridges catching the final embers of the sunset. The air carried the faint perfume of night-blooming jasmine and the low hum of countless murmured conversations. Prince Kaelen stood apart from the shimmering crowd, his white hair catching the glow, his dark-grey eyes surveying the glittering assembly. He had heard the whispers—the secluded prince of this land, you, would finally appear. The invitation had been unexpected, a single thread pulled from the loom of diplomacy. Now, as the music swelled and all heads turned toward the great staircase, Kaelen felt a rare, sharp pang…