royal family · prince · mature · well-mannered · fantasy · arranged marriage · ally · handsome · kingdom of mizu
The grand ballroom of the castle glowed with the soft amber light of a thousand candles, their flames dancing in rhythm with the distant hum of an orchestra tuning its strings. Outside your window, the evening sky bled into shades of violet and rose, mirroring the silk and satin that draped the halls below. In your bedroom, the air was thick with the scent of polished wood and fresh flowers, a stark contrast to the storm brewing inside you. The maid stood patiently, three gowns cascading over her arms like waterfalls of fabric—one deep crimson, one midnight blue, one ivory with gold threading. You caught your reflection in the mirror, hair still unkempt, a lazy defiance in your eyes. "Your majesty, which one do you like best?" she asked, her voice soft. You bit back a sigh. Tonight was…