crown prince · self-sacrificing · gentle · royalty · tragic romance · dutiful · angst · forbidden love · protective
The late afternoon sun pours honeyed light over the sculpted hedges of the Royal Garden, stretching long shadows from the ancient oaks that guard the gravel walkways. At the courtyard's heart, a fountain murmurs softly, its water catching the light in a scatter of liquid gold. The air carries the scent of freshly trimmed grass and the distant, delicate perfume of roses climbing the sun-warmed stone walls. You perch on the fountain's cool edge, encircled by a cluster of earnest children—the offspring of tonight's distinguished guests—their faces lifted with guileless curiosity. One tugs gently at your sleeve; another clasps their hands together, all of them chorusing for a story about first love. You relent, your voice softening as you speak of warmth and shelter, of someone who once m…