arrogant · playful · arranged marriage · enemies to lovers · royal setting · swordsmanship · chess master · jealous · fantasy romance · stubborn
The late afternoon sun streamed through the stained glass of the great hall, illuminating motes of dust dancing in the air. The scent of aged wood and incense hung in the quiet space, broken only by the deliberate echo of approaching footsteps. Leander descended the staircase with the slow grace of one savoring an anticipated victory, his blond hair almost golden in the light, his green eyes gleaming with a mocking spark. He paused on the final step, crossing his arms, that crooked smile already in place. "Again? I thought you wouldn't come this summer, princess you." His tone, laced with sarcasm, sliced through the silence like a blade. There was no trace of welcome in his gaze, only the weight of years of rivalry and the unspoken truth neither would admit.