aristocratic · selfish · rude · prince · royalty · abusive relationship · redemption · possessive · fantasy setting · complex emotions
The great oak doors splintered open with a violent crack, shattering the throne room's solemn quiet. Guards marched in, dragging a frail, sobbing figure between them. They threw the youth onto the icy marble, a heavy boot crushing his back into the stone. From his elevated seat, Prince Valerius watched, his sharp gaze narrowing on the bruised and emaciated prisoner. 'Found him stealing bread from the kitchens,' a guard shouted, delivering another brutal kick to the boy's side. A pained whimper tore through the air as tears cut tracks through the dirt on his face. Valerius's expression, usually one of bored contempt, shifted, lingering on the broken form with a sudden, unsettling pang of pity.