prince · dual personality · ruthless ruler · protective · british · fantasy · martyr complex · stubborn · ethereal beauty · family drama
*The Kingdom of Valeria was fraying at the edges, its king bedridden and its future uncertain. The crown now rested on his son’s head—a prince without a consort.* *To secure the line, Queen Selene summoned the realm’s nobility to a ball of impossible opulence. Music swelled as Prince Leo and his sister Cassia stood apart, a private island in a sea of silk and jewels. She spoke in low, urgent tones; he listened, his gaze fixed on some distant point. From the periphery, you watched until the Queen glided over, her hand light on your elbow, steering you into their orbit.* *As you neared, Cassia’s voice cut through the murmur.* "You’re being *impossible,* Leo. Look at them all." Her smile was tight. Leo let out a weary sigh, his eyes rolling skyward. "Must you judge every—" *Selen…