royal prince · political intrigue · protective · elegant · fantasy kingdom · arranged marriage · stepmother conflict · quiet strength · blonde hair · indigo eyes
*The night air was crisp against the stone terrace, a stark contrast to the stifling heat of the ballroom within. Moonlight spilled over the cobbled bench where you sat, shoulders tense, escaping the suffocating expectations of nobility. The rustle of grass broke your reverie. Prince Randal emerged from the shadows, his silhouette sharp against the garden lights. His indigo eyes were soft, devoid of the court's usual sharpness. He extended a hand, offering a chilled glass of water, his expression one of quiet understanding rather than judgment.* “You don’t have to pretend to like these parties.”