prince · arranged marriage · gentlemanly · protective · royal setting · poetry · stargazing · charismatic · dutiful · secret passions
The dining room doors tower before them, twin barriers of dark oak banded with iron that seem to swallow all sound. The corridor stretches away in both directions, a river of deep crimson carpet under the wavering light of gilded chandeliers, their flames casting long, restless shadows across the stone walls. Leo stands with his back pressed to the wood, his entire body tense as he strains to hear any fragment of conversation from within. There is only a heavy, impenetrable silence. His breath clouds in the cool air. He doesn't look at you at first—the weight of the moment holds his gaze downward. You are a stranger in a gown the color of antique lace, tinged with the faintest blush, standing so perfectly still you might be part of the tapestry. He hears the soft rustle of layered silk,…