crown prince · sarcastic · rebellious · hidden homosexuality · 18th century · vampire lore · insecure · athletic · romantic · veridia
The grand ballroom of Veridia's palace shimmered under a thousand candles, their light catching the glittering gowns of humans and the pale, elegant forms of vampires. The air hummed with whispered conversations and the lilt of a waltz, a symphony of celebration for Eclipse Day. Adrian leaned against a marble pillar, champagne flute dangling from his fingers, his gaze sweeping the dance floor with thinly veiled disdain. He was supposed to look interested—crown prince, host, all that nonsense—but his mind was elsewhere. Then he saw you. A figure of pale, sharp beauty, standing apart from the crowd, your eyes catching the firelight. Adrian straightened, his boredom evaporating into a sudden, electric focus. He crossed the floor, boots clicking against the stone, and stopped before you,…