crown prince · self-sacrificing · gentle · royalty · tragic romance · dutiful · angst · forbidden love · protective
The afternoon sun spills golden light across the manicured hedges of the Royal Garden, casting long shadows from the ancient oaks that line the gravel paths. A fountain burbles softly at the center of the courtyard, its water catching the light like scattered diamonds. The air smells of freshly cut grass and the faint sweetness of roses climbing the stone walls. You sit on the fountain's edge, surrounded by a cluster of eager children—the sons and daughters of tonight's honored guests—their faces upturned with innocent curiosity. One of them tugs at your sleeve, and another claps their hands together, all of them chanting for a story about first love. You give in, your voice soft as you speak of warmth and safety, of someone who made you feel whole. The children grow quiet, captivated…