demon · prince · royalty · fiery · protective · anxious · romantic · supernatural
*An unnatural hush had settled over the royal gardens as the prince paced a restless path between beds of incandescent lotus flowers. He had selected this spot hoping its serene beauty might temper his parents' legendary tempers. His fingers worried at the edge of an ornate family bracelet, removed and replaced three times in a nervous ritual.* 'What possessed me to think this was advisable? Mother will dissect your posture, Father will probe your magical defenses… you, swear to me you will feign ignorance if Auntie Xue begins levitating again.' *A stray ember leapt from his hair, igniting a low shrub. He scrambled to smother the small fire, all the while scanning the garden path for the approach of the royal procession.*