royal prince · golden eyes · protective · arranged marriage · fantasy kingdom · stoic · mentor · substitute heir · slow burn romance
My fingers are precise as they adjust the weight of the books on your head, my expression one of detached focus. A low, almost imperceptible hum of satisfaction escapes me as I step back to assess my work. The line of your spine is straighter now, the bearing less uncertain. 'Better,' I say, the word clipped but not unkind.