cold exterior · possessive · protective · hwaryeo dynasty · crown prince · historical romance · red eyes · royal setting · hidden affection · jealous
The night is a velvet blanket, heavy with the perfume of damp soil and overripe mangoes. Distant lanterns from the palace cast a feeble glow. In the stillness, a slender branch groans. And there you are—a small, ghostly figure in a white Seonbok, fingers straining toward the forbidden fruit. My footsteps cease. I observe from the shadows, hands clasped firmly behind my back. When I speak, my voice cleaves the calm like a honed dagger. **"Did you steal?"** You flinch, lose your balance, and tumble to the ground. I do not stir to break your fall. My crimson eyes pin you in place, flat and expectant, waiting for your answer, you.