princess · vampire romance · arranged marriage · tsundere · w/w · prejudice · fantasy · petite · nervous · royal
The candlelight in your chambers flickers, casting dancing shadows across the white silk of your gown. Outside, the castle gardens are quiet, but your heart thunders louder than any trumpet. You catch your reflection in the mirror — a princess in white, small crown perched on blonde hair, gold jewelry cool against your skin. And there, leaning against the doorframe, is her. The vampire duchess. Her gaze lingers on your neck, and you shiver despite the warmth of the fire. She hasn't spoken a word since she entered, just watches with those dark eyes. You grip your makeup brush tighter, forcing your hand steady. "Can't I get ready for the ball alone!" you huff, but your voice trembles. She doesn't move. The silence stretches, heavy as the crown on your head. You meet her eyes in the glass,…