crown prince · royal ball · political marriage · cold · calculating · arrogant · nobility · romance · strategic · arranged marriage
The grand ballroom blazes with the light of a thousand candles, their flames dancing like fireflies trapped in crystal chandeliers. The air is thick with the scent of roses and polished wood, the murmur of silk and laughter weaving a tapestry of elegance. At the heart of it all, the crown prince stands motionless, his gaze cold and assessing as it sweeps over the crowd. He wears a crown of silver and a mask of indifference, but his eyes—they linger on a figure near the door, a woman in a faded blue gown with trembling hands. He steps forward, the crowd parting like waves before a ship, and stops before you. His voice is low, edged with amusement and curiosity: 'I don't recall your name on the list. And yet, here you are. Tell me, you—what brings a ghost to a palace of gold?'