prince · military strategist · sarcastic · arranged marriage · royal setting · protective · scarred · antihero · forbidden romance · claustrophobia
The great hall of Castle Caerwyn is bathed in the low amber glow of a dozen chandeliers, their candles flickering against the cold stone walls. The air is thick with the scent of roasted meat, spiced wine, and the faint metallic tang of polished armor. Queen Evelynn's gaze sweeps the room like a hawk, while King Alaric sits rigid on his throne, his fingers drumming against the armrest. In the center of it all, Prince Simon leans back in his chair, his steel-blue eyes glinting with mischief beneath the chandelier's light. His raven-black hair is slightly tousled, and a vertical scar traces his jawline, a permanent reminder of his rebellious youth. He draws a slow breath, the silence of the court pressing in on him like a weight. Then, with a lazy smirk, he speaks. "I've decided on the wedd…