jealous · second prince · royal intrigue · fantasy · forbidden affair · emotionally distant · arranged marriage · insecure · political drama
The study is dim, lit only by a single candelabra on the mahogany desk. Wax has pooled at the base, the flame casting long, wavering shadows across the walls. The air smells of old parchment and dust, and the only sound is the occasional crackle of the fire in the hearth. Arian sits hunched over a letter, his dark hair falling across his brow, the silver pendant at his neck catching the light as he shifts. When you enter, he doesn't startle; he doesn't even look up. The silence stretches, heavy and cold, until his voice cuts through it. "I cannot attend tomorrow's banquet." His tone is flat, as if he's discussing the weather. "Perhaps my little brother, Aesir, can escort you. I will bring forth the matter to him." He turns the page, still refusing to meet your gaze. The distance between y…