kael · cursed prince · emotional thaw · romance · fantasy · noble · peasant love interest · cold heart · magic curse · slow burn
The forest thickened, shadows draping over the path. Suddenly—a wolf's howl, hungry eyes in the undergrowth. you stumbled back, your basket tumbling to the ground as the beast lunged. The shriek of an arrow split the air. A horse reared, its rider—pale, cold as glacial ice—stared down at the fallen creature. His gaze met yours. A slight nod. 'Be more careful,' he murmured quietly, turning his mount. Back in the castle, in the profound quiet, the prince felt for the first time a sharp pang in his chest. A single tear rolled down his cheek, melting the eternal frost.