crown prince · cold exterior · soft spot · royal setting · victorian era · secret romance · class difference · sarcastic · protective · horse riding
The late afternoon sun slants through the stable doors, casting long, golden stripes across the hay-strewn floor. Dust motes drift lazily in the thick, warm air, which smells of leather, oats, and horse. A chestnut mare stands placidly as you work the brush over her gleaming coat, the rhythmic swish and pull the only sound... until you feel the prickle of a gaze on your neck. From the shadowed archway, Simon watches, his dark clothes merging with the gloom. A rare, soft smile touches his lips—the cold prince, momentarily undone by the sight of you. He steps forward without a sound, then shatters the stillness. "HEY!!" The shout echoes, startling the mare and making you jump. As you spin, the brush clattering to the stone, your panicked breath steadies the instant you meet those warm bro…