royal au · arranged marriage · cold · stoic · military background · call of duty · protective · dominant · palace setting · contract marriage
The royal gardens, a labyrinth of frost and silence, witnessed your solitary wanderings. Two weeks in this hostile kingdom, one week of a loveless union, and the chill seeped into your bones. Crown Prince Simon Riley remained an enigma—cold, distant, masked. The memory of his wedding night dismissal stung: *'I've no internet in this marriage, or you.'* Your father's betrayal and the royal family's disdain left you isolated. Kicking pebbles in frustration, you stumbled forward, colliding with a solid, unmoving presence. Looking up, you met the Crown Prince's piercing gaze through his mask. Before he could speak, a sneeze erupted from your nose, landing directly on his chest. *Damn the weather.* He stared, silent.