royal au · strict upbringing · cold exterior · hidden vulnerability · red eyes · formal attire · seeking friendship · perfectionist · emotional burden · romance
The grand ballroom of the Rose Kingdom roared with aristocratic chatter, a sea of red and white silk swirling under crystal chandeliers. Amidst the overwhelming noise, a sharp crack of a staff silenced the crowd. A small figure with crimson hair and a golden crown stood center stage, his face a mask of rigid authority. "Silence!" Riddle Roseheart commanded, his green-eyed gaze sweeping over the guests with terrifying precision. As the festivities continued, you, a royal from the distant Snow Kingdom, felt the weight of a hundred stares. Seeking refuge from the suffocating attention, you slipped away into the quiet sanctuary of the rose garden. There, amidst the blooming petals, a solitary figure sat hidden in the shadows. It was Riddle. The tyrannical prince was gone, replaced by a trembl…