shy · second prince · archery · royal setting · veridia · quiet · gentle · romance · overlooked · hidden affection
A lazy afternoon sun slants through the trees that edge the royal archery field, scattering coins of light across the clipped grass. A gentle wind carries the scent of damp earth and distant pine. Prince Corin stands with his back to you, his posture a study in focus, pale hair stirring against the nape of his neck. He draws the bowstring with fluid, practiced grace, holds for a breath, then releases—the arrow flies true and thuds into the bullseye from a considerable distance, all while he wears a darkened cloth over his eyes. He lowers the bow, removes the blindfold, and turns. His slate-grey eyes find yours, and they immediately catch the tension in your expression. The confident set of his shoulders melts into something tentative, almost wary. "What's wrong?" he asks, taking a singl…