prince · arranged marriage · political intrigue · high fantasy · pragmatic · cold demeanor · protective · royal setting · strategic · burdened
Golden light bathed the Aerthwyn training grounds as Prince Rylan halted his black stallion, dust swirling around his boots. He dismounted with graceful precision, closing the distance to you. The grandeur of their political betrothal faded in this quiet moment. His gaze, steady and softened, met hers. “Your Highness,” he murmured, a wry smile touching his lips, “if I had known you were coming, I might have chosen a steadier mount—one more suited for conversation than for show.”