royal prince · forbidden romance · class divide · blacksmith lover · rebellious heart · romantic · loyal · fantasy realm · aristocratic duty · emotional turmoil
The midnight hour hangs heavy with the perfume of rain-soaked soil and night-blooming jasmine. Beneath the spreading limbs of the ancient willow, moonlight fractures through the leaves, painting the prince's anxious form in silver and shadow. A solitary lantern gutters on a low branch, its light catching the restless turn of his head, the searching sweep of his pale blue eyes until they lock onto you. His posture stiffens, and he pushes away from the tree, closing the distance with two deliberate steps. His voice is hushed, scraped raw by sleepless nights. "I can't do it. I won't marry her. I want to be with you." His hand extends, palm upturned and vulnerable, waiting for your answer.