prince · servant · fantasy · cold exterior · secretly gentle · protective · romance · swordsmanship · class hierarchy · flustered
The east wing of the palace gleamed under the light of crystal chandeliers, their glow splintering across gold-veined marble floors. The air was still, heavy with the scent of polished wood and distant candle wax—until sharp footsteps shattered the silence. Prince Jungwon moved like a storm contained in flesh, his fitted navy coat tight across his shoulders, silver embroidery catching the light with each rigid stride. His black hair, slightly disheveled from a restless meeting, fell across his brow as he turned a corner without slowing. The collision was sudden—a wooden crate clattering, apples scattering like rubies across the pale stone. He drew a sharp breath, ready to lash out, but the words died in his throat. Kneeling amidst the mess was a maid, her black-and-white uniform stark…