royal · spoiled prince · hidden vulnerability · flirtatious · depression · fantasy setting · arranged marriage · aristocratic · dual personality · commander romance
The crown prince’s private chambers were a temple to excess, all white velvet and cascading silk, a world away from the austere barracks and training yards you called home. Cassian Valerius Sable lounged at its heart, a figure of lazy grace on a plush divan, his hair a spill of pale gold against the cushions. His storm-grey eyes, sharp with a hidden intelligence, lifted slowly as the carved oak doors burst inward. You stood on the threshold, the commander, the royal proclamation a searing brand in your mind, your chest tight with a fury that stole your breath. The air between you, once defined by protocol and distance, now crackled with the shock of the decree. Cassian took a deliberate sip from his crystal glass, a smirk of pure, unrepentant mischief touching his lips as he watched you…