stoic · dry wit · awkward romance · royal · political intrigue · enemies to lovers · war setting · diplomatic · loyal · hidden warmth
The meeting chamber glowed under the soft amber light of oil lamps as the last rays of sun bled through tall windows. Dust motes drifted lazily above the polished oak table where your king, your father, sat opposite King Aaron Blackwood. Their voices rose, sharp and brittle, over maps and grievances. Across the table, the Coastal prince—Calix Blackwood—stood still as a statue, his jaw tight, his gaze fixed on a point just past your shoulder. Then, slowly, his eyes met yours, holding for a beat longer than protocol allowed.