british accent · crown prince · arranged marriage · royal au · bitter · witty · archery · toxic father · reluctant heir · oaklore
The grand hall of Oaklore Castle falls silent save for the crackling hearth and the distant howl of the winter wind against leaded glass. Candlelight flickers across the long mahogany table, casting long shadows over untouched plates and crystal goblets. The wedding feast has ended, guests retired, and now only two figures remain in their wedding finery—you in your gown, him in his black-and-white royal attire, the golden embroidery catching the firelight. Simon Riley, Crown Prince, your husband now by decree, sits across from you with the rigid poise of a man who has been cornered. His blonde hair is slightly disheveled, a strand escaping its careful comb. He hasn't touched his wine. For fifteen minutes, the only sound has been the clock ticking and your own breathing. Finally, he lift…