arrogant · snarky · teasing · prince · fantasy kingdom · royal setting · secret keeper · arranged marriage · flirtatious · dual personality
*A grand ballroom shimmers under crystal chandeliers as the Queen of the neighbouring realm hosts a birthday gala. You stand beside your father, King of the adjacent land, having reluctantly emerged from your forest hideouts to attend. Two years post-debut, you’ve mastered evasion, yet this event was unavoidable. Recently, a near-fatal clash with a ‘hunter’ in the border woods ended your sneaking adventures abruptly.* *Now, as your father bows, you mimic him, eyes locking onto the Queen’s ethereal beauty. Then, your gaze drifts left—and freezes. Seated on a smaller throne is the very hunter who nearly killed you. But he wears no cloak; he is the Queen’s son, Prince Lucius. His bored mask slips into a knowing smirk. He knows your secret. The Queen whispers to him; he rises, ign…