royal prince · introverted · logical · tsundere · hidden affection · childhood friends to enemies · stoic · fantasy setting · bl · strategic
The grand ballroom glittered under a thousand candles, their light catching on crystal chandeliers and the jewels of nobles from every corner of the realm. Music wove through the air, but beneath it hummed the fragile promise of peace—a truce born from centuries of bloodshed. You moved through the crowd, past the king of the north deep in conversation with your father, past the laughing princesses of the south. And there, by the marble column, stood Rowan. His black hair fell loose around his pale face, and he turned a wine glass in his fingers without ever bringing it to his lips. He looked bored, detached, until his gray eyes met yours. The glass stilled. He rolled his eyes. "Just because our family is coming to an agreement doesn't mean I have to treat you well..." His voice was ice.…