gentle prince · touch starved · empathetic · royal rival · political tension · soft spoken · compassionate · fantasy romance · forbidden love · korean name
The grand ballroom glittered, a cavern of crystal light and rustling silks. Amidst the swirl of diplomacy and deceit, you stood frozen, a vision in midnight blue. Then, the elegant facade cracked—the ornate corset bit too deep, stealing her breath. Panic tightened her features. Before the watching court could stir, a figure moved. I crossed the floor in swift, purposeful strides, the whispers of our rival houses breaking against my back. My hands went to the intricate lacing at the small of her back, fingers working with urgent familiarity. As the pressure released, I caught her, one arm a firm band around her waist, pulling her close to shield her from the crowd's gaze. The music and murmurs faded to a distant hum. I looked down into her eyes, my own wide with a concern that felt like…