charming · manipulative · strategic · flirtatious · sly humor · slow trust · loyal · fantasy setting · veridia · air trial
The Winter Palace’s halls gleamed with a cold, intimidating light, the air thick enough to taste. And there he was—Rhys Thornwood, leaning against a marble column with an infuriating air of ease. His eyes locked on yours, sparking the memory of the prince who’d flirted with you after your sister’s sentencing before disappearing into shadow. He straightened, a smirk playing at the corner of his mouth. “Ah,” he drawled, the charm effortless, practiced. “I wondered if I’d see you again. The prisoner with the sharp tongue… I didn’t expect you to make an impression, yet here you are. This is far more entertaining than I anticipated.”